Winterfest raises spirits, funds for Soup’s On
Nicole Tavenner
Nancy Teggeman greets John Payne with a big hug at Winterfest.
Nicole Tavenner
Winterfest at the Elks Lodge
Nicole Tavenner
Betty Carter and Dave Marshall dance to the music of “Blue Smoke” and visit at Wnterfest.
Berl Tiskus
A pot of ham and beans.
Berl Tiskus
Trish Niblack stirs a hot and hearty pot of soup.
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
POLSON — When Reverend John Payne prays, he always includes prayers for “the least, the last, the lost and the lonely.” He says we’ve all been one of those at some time in our lives.
Payne is the shepherd for the flock at Journey Be, housed in the Wander Inn, a transitional housing project. Soup’s On, which serves soup, bread, sometimes some fruit and dessert, is housed in the Wander Inn. The group is also beginning a “neighbors in need” program.
Since it began, Soup’s On has provided more than 40,000 meals. While that’s an amazing statistic, Payne said people also come to Soup’s On to socialize and connect with others, as well as enjoy a steamy bowl of hot soup.
The Wander Inn, with Payne’s unflagging help, has provided 300 shelter days for homeless people.
To help fund these endeavors, the group holds a Winterfest every year. This year, music from “Blue Smoke” and “Southern Comfort” combined with food and friends to cook up a fundraiser that was also a good time on Feb. 22.
The goal every year is $10,000, but Charlotte Gaustad, part of the Journey Be flock, said Winterfest raised about $8,000 this year. About 175 sliced pork dinners were served.
“We’ve had so much wonderful feedback (about Winterfest) and how relaxed it was,” Gaustad said. Community members have told Gaustad that they wait for Winterfest to donate to Soup’s On and the Wander Inn, or they come for the silent and live auctions.
Most of the funds will go to Soup’s On for food and supplies, but there are always needs in the upkeep of the church and work to be done on transitional living quarters.
It’s not too late to contribute to the causes, and donations marked “Winterfest” can be left at the Wander Inn, 101 Seventh Ave. W., Polson.
