The Winners of Souper Bowl with Love V!

By Christine Hall

This February, Franke Tobey Jones kicked off the 5th Annual Souper Bowl with Love! This beloved event that benefits the Pt. Defiance~Ruston Senior Center participants, advanced to the end zone and scored thanks to the generous support of residents, staff, and community members. Throughout the week leading up to the  Super Bowl LIX, we were able to distribute 110 meal bags containing  soup, crackers, and a box of Valentine chocolates. 

Resident MVPs 

This year’s MVPs are FTJ resident volunteers Kay Bristow, Rita Copp, Paula Foreman, Toni Grabowski, and Pat Mail whose masterful scrimmage allowed them to tie 110 tags to the bags and fill them in less than 30 minutes! A special shout-out goes to the Gig Harbor Fred Meyer, arranging a bulk buy of every food item at a reduced price for FTJ! 

An Act of Kindness 

At a time when some families struggle with higher costs and food insecurity, these donations are not only a gift of nourishment, but an act of kindness that is truly felt by our Senior Center participants. When the Philanthropy Director, Shelley Harris, and Philanthropy and Marketing Coordinator, Frankie Thomas, brought the bags into the Senior Center, there was a general buzz of excitement (DELETE over the penuchle tables). The participants who realized what was happening eagerly spread the news, followed by whoops of joy and gratitude. 

One participant gladly proclaimed, “I already ate my chocolates!” 

Resident Generosity 

Senior Center Director, Kate Gray, continues to be amazed by the generosity of residents and staff at Franke Tobey Jones. “Every one of the bags were gone within a day.  They are so popular and so appreciated.  People are shocked at the generosity and ecstatic to receive them.  One participant said, ‘I can’t believe that you do this for us.’  Our participants are overjoyed and full of gratitude!  Thank you so much for your continued support and love you show us through your actions!”

It is with sincere appreciation from our Philanthropy Department hearts that we extend our deepest thanks to everyone for your continued support and contributions. As legendary footballer Pele once said, “The only way to win is as a team,” and FTJ has a championship one.