Infinity and St. Susan’s Partner for ‘Soup and a Song’ Fundraiser
Local restaurants to provide soups with live music from Infinity students
BEMUS POINT, NY – A landmark partnership between two of Chautauqua County’s most highly regarded not-for-profit agencies – St. Susan Center and Infinity Visual and Performing Arts, Inc. – is the driving force behind a program on Aug. 8 that will nourish and delight those who enjoy a great cup of soup and a well-crafted song.
The Soup and a Song fundraiser for both Infinity and St. Susan Center will take place in Bemus Point’s village park. The music will be provided by a handful of entertainers from Chautauqua County who have studied singing and musicianship, and honed their performing skills, as students at Infinity. The soup will be prepared and served by chefs representing about 20 of the region’s most popular restaurants.
“It speaks well for the community of not-for-profit agencies in our area that we seek ways to partner with each other for the greater benefit of the people we serve,” said Shane Hawkins, executive director of Infinity. “St. Susan’s and Infinity address very different community needs, but we will complement and support each other very well at this event – the first collaboration of its kind.”
Sue Colwell, executive director of St. Susan Center, added, “our board of directors and staff are very excited to be partnering with Infinity. It is a privilege to work with such a dedicated group of people who are impacting our youth through music and the arts on a daily basis. Last winter, Infinity helped raise money for the soup kitchen by playing during our Soup and A Song series. The kids were so phenomenal that night that we decided to become partners for our summer Soup and A Song!”
Entertainers lined up for the event include Austin Anderson, Stephanie Benson, Lily Ellis and SYMBA (Hayley Restivo and Ryan Hawkins). Serving as master of ceremonies for the program will be Jason Sample, news director and on-air personality from WRFA radio in Jamestown. “It’s terrific to see Infinity teaming up with the St. Susan Center,” said Sample. “I don’t know what I’m looking forward to more; the music from Infinity or the soup from the local restaurants.”
Restaurants donating and serving soup include the Hotel Lenhart, Red Lobster, Webb’s Captain’s Table, the Bemus Point Inn, the See-Zurh House, Dinner Bell, the Sweet Spot, Bob Evans, the Village Casino, Babalu Café, Hare N’ Hounds Inn, Village Restaurant, Guppy’s Restaurant, the Corner Coffeehouse & Bistro in Frewsburg, Springs Restaurant, Scallion Bistro, the Bemus Point Golf Club and the Italian Fisherman.
As part of the festivities, horse-drawn carriage rides through the village of Bemus Point will be donated by Magic Moments Carriage Rides by Denny Wright. A bake sale and 50/50 raffle also will be conducted during the event, and a basket of products donated by the member merchants of Discover Bemus Point will be raffled.
Soup will be served, and musical entertainment will begin at 5:30 p.m. and continue through 7:30 p.m. Tickets for three bowls of soup, a beverage and access to the performances will cost $10 for adults and $5 for children (two bowls of soup). Proceeds from ticket sales, the bake sale and raffles will be split between St. Susan Center and Infinity.
In the event of rain, the event will be moved from the Bemus Point town park to the nearby Village Casino.
