Soup Kitchen's Benton honored at annual meeting
By Becky Barclay
Published in News on April 2, 2014 1:46 PM
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Doricia Benton
Doricia Benton received a special award at the annual meeting of the Community Soup Kitchen of Goldsboro for her years of service to the group.
Mrs. Benton volunteered 10 years with the Soup Kitchen under former director Barbara Berkeley when it was at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. She has been the director for the past 10 years.
"I was very surprised -- and pleased and honored -- to get the award," Mrs. Benton said. "It makes me feel loved and appreciated.
"The board is very near and dear to my heart because each day we have what is needed to be done from beginning to end to make each day work. Outside of that, they let me run with my heart and make decisions that are sometimes quick decisions. They don't put a lot of restrictions on that for me and that helps the day flow better."
Outgoing board president Rosalyn Lomax said the award was for "her angelic service to the Soup Kitchen, her excellence in the administration of the organization and her compassionate care for the clients whom the Soup Kitchen serves."
During the meeting, Mrs. Berkeley was also recognized as one of the founders of the Soup Kitchen.
And Mrs. Benton presented the Volunteer of the Year award to Steve Shafer for his faithful service and willingness to do whatever is needed. He received a personalized Volunteer of the Year apron and his name was added to a plaque listing past volunteers of the year.
Mike Mitchell, vice president of T.A. Loving Co. and captain of it's Chili Challenge team, The Loving Spoonful, gave a presentation about his team's experiences during the fundraiser. His team has participated every year since its inception and has taken several awards for best chili, people's choice and best booth.
Mitchell said the fun is competing with other teams.
Staff cook Susan Britt was recognized for her role at the Soup Kitchen.
Current board president Gary Patterson listed his "kitchen cabinet" as Chris Garrison, president elect; Kitty Sauls, secretary; David Weil, treasurer; Tom Casey, chief financial officer; and Mrs. Lomax, past president.
Board members for the new year are the Rev. Marvin Alexander, Julia Clarke, Kay Cooke, Susana Garcia, Lindsey Grimes, Lind Hall, Allan Harvin, Ann Hunter, Don Johnstone, Clinton Kleithermes, Lou Ann Laughlin, Leslie Weil and Elizabeth Woodard.
Mrs. Lomax gave a review of the year, stating that the Soup Kitchen served 39,935 meals last year. Since the Soup Kitchen began in 1980 and through the end of March, it has served 883,053 meals.