When Yolo County Supervisor Don Saylor first approached me about designating Davis Media Access (DMA) as the beneficiary of the final Soup’s On fundraiser before he retires, I was gobsmacked. I’d volunteered at many Soup’s On events in the past and often wondered, what would we need to do be at that level?
If there is a gift from the pandemic for DMA, I believe it’s that we were the right organization with the right set of skills at the right time. During this crisis, DMA worked overtime to connect our communities virtually when we couldn’t do so in person.
Since 2004, there have been 17 Soup's On gatherings, over 6,000 soup eaters, hundreds of sponsors and donors, plus immeasurable awareness and more than $400,000 raised for local nonprofits. It’s been an amazing gift to nonprofits and the community at large.
After all was tallied, the April 21 event raised $62,000 for our community-based media and technology center. This money will help us bridge the gap brought about by increased staffing needs and operational/technology costs during the pandemic, coupled with loss of event income and other opportunities. We are most grateful.
Supervisor Saylor said, “DMA has done so much to amplify local voices, share information, and connect the people of our community for many years. Over the last two-plus years of pandemic-living, DMA has helped us all to pivot our communication models, stay informed, and learn new ways of doing things.
