‘12 Suppers at The Center of Hope’ starts on MLK Day of Service
Lynette Matthews-Murphy, the founder/co-owner of Spring House, who is in the white top, back row right, is part of a group that prepares food for the homeless.
Photo by Ashlea Howard Jones
BY ASHLEA HOWARD JONES
FOR THE CHRONICLE
Spring House Restaurant, Kitchen and Bar inaugurates the second year of The Salvation Army of Winston-Salem’s “12 Suppers at The Center of Hope” program by preparing and serving dinner to the residents on MLK’s Day of Service.
This is the second consecutive year that Spring House has provided the initial dinner for the year-long program.
“Last year was the perfect accident that this program launched on MLK’s Day of Service,” said Bob Campbell, the director of marketing and public relations at the Salvation Army of Winston-Salem. “This year, we were more intentional with the start date.”
The MLK Day of Service is a part of United We Serve, President Obama’s national service initiative. “It was an honor for our Spring House team to provide the inaugural supper at The Center of Hope last year,” said Lynette Matthews-Murphy, founder/co-owner of Spring House. “To have the opportunity to provide a ‘meal with a smile’ and connect with the residents on this day of service in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is especially meaningful for our staff”
The “12 Suppers at The Center of Hope” program is a partnership between The Salvation Army of Greater Winston-Salem and local restaurants.
Jeffrey Adams, Bibs Downtown Barbeque, Zoe’s Kitchen, and Quanto Basta are among the restaurants scheduled to provide the evening meal for The Center of Hope Family Residence this year.
“At the Spring House, we say that we feed bodies and nourish souls,” says Matthews-Murphy. “This means more because it’s something that’s a real need.”
The “12 Suppers at The Center of Hope” program aims to achieve more than just feeding the center’s residents. “Through this program, residence receive a great meal and are given a look into the culinary field,” says Campbell. “This could lead to job opportunities and inspire kids to want to be chefs.”
The Center of Hope is the only family emergency shelter in Forsyth County. It currently houses between 90 to 100 residents, with 55 of them being children under the age of 12.
“The Salvation Army is so grateful to these restaurants,” Campbell said. “They serve more than food; they serve hope.”
