by Shirley Kelly and James Munroe
Hot Soup, Cool Jazz started in Cape Breton three years ago as the major fundraiser for Pathways to Employment, a not-for-profit community organization which provides supported employment to individuals living with long-term mental illness. The fundraiser was inspired by its namesake in Newfoundland, which was started by the Jimmy Pratt Foundation, where it was extremely successful.
Hot Soup, Cool Jazz will be held on Thursday evening, February 7, at the Membertou Trade & Convention Centre, beginning with wine and cheese from 6-6:30pm. The Carl Getto Jazz Quintet (Holley Muise on vocals, James Munroe on trombone and vocals, Richard Burke on saxophone and vocals, Chris MacDonald on guitar, Red Mike MacDonald on bass, Johnny Hawkins on drums and Carl Getto on piano) will provide the music, with emceeing being provided courtesy of The Giant 101.9 radio.
From 6:30-9pm, six local gourmet chefs will participate in a soup competition for top honours. Chefs from Flavor, Kiju’s, Allegro Grill, The Black Spoon Bistro, CBU’s Hospitality Program and Governors Pub & Eatery will provide their delectable concoctions for all in attendance to savour. At the end of the evening, people will vote for their favorite soup.
The local business community has been extremely supportive of the event and businesses have provided a large selection of items to bid on during the silent auction. Shirley Kelly, one of the event’s organizers, remarked, “This is always well received, and some heated bidding can take place, as I experienced last year.”
The Pathways wood shop crew has made some lovely items such as Adirondack chairs for the live auction which will take place before the night ends. All the wood products produced at Pathways are made from repurposed wood pallets and are are eco-friendly.
Brochures and samples from Pathways’ four business lines will be available, providing information to those interested in Pathways’ services and products.
The evening will end with announcements of the successful bids in the silent auction.
Tickets are still available at the Pathways to Employment office, 196 Prince Street, Sydney or by phone at 539-6480. A limited number will be available at the door the night of the event.
