Don Saylor’s Soup’s On event has been a community mainstay since 2004, an annual fundraiser that has generated over $350,000 in critical support for nonprofits throughout Yolo County. After a pandemic hiatus, the event returns Thursday, April 21 from 6-8 pm at the Veterans Memorial Center in Davis.
All proceeds from this year’s event benefit Davis Media Access (DMA), a nonprofit community media and technology center based in Davis, with partnerships countywide. During the pandemic, DMA reinvented a hands-on, participatory organization into one who helped organizations throughout the county surmount the challenges of virtual events and technology.
This event will be the final Soup’s On, as Saylor is retiring from public service when his term as Yolo County Supervisor for District 2 ends on December 31, 2022. “The Soup’s On benefit event was built on the simple human experience of sharing warm soup when someone is sick, feeling down or in need. Building on that loving impulse, together we have created a tradition of gathering over soup to help the helpers – nonprofits that do so much to tend the fabric of our community,” Saylor said. “Since the first Soup’s On in 2004, this event has raised over $350,000 and increased community awareness for many worthy causes in Yolo County.”
Saylor said he chose DMA as the final recipient because “DMA is a go-to partner when the Yolo community comes together to address a cause. DMA became a key resource for public health updates and local voices throughout the pandemic. They produced local election coverage on all contested races in Yolo County. They helped Woodland Community College bring its TV station and instructional media program online, and they provided support for local schools, nonprofits, and businesses across the county. As an organization, they are a perfect demonstration of the Yolo Way, proving that we are far better when we work together.”
The volunteer-run event on April 21 includes soup from local restaurants, live music by Mumbo Gumbo, local beer and wine, a silent auction, and celebration of DMA’s good work. Because it’s the final Soup’s On event, it will also highlight the work of past beneficiaries.
“We are honored and deeply excited to be chosen as this year’s beneficiary,” said Autumn Labbe-Renault, DMA’s executive director. “Need for the kinds of community-building and services nonprofits provide kept increasing during the pandemic, while opportunities and income dwindled. To have our work recognized and our capacity strengthened is everything right now.”
Event Logistics:
Tickets, sponsorship information and more is available at the Soup's On website. All attendees and volunteers must be fully vaccinated, boosted if eligible, and show proof of vaccination + booster to enter the event. All attendees and volunteers will wear masks when indoors and not actively eating or drinking.
Out of an abundance of caution, childcare will not be offered at this event. Fully vaccinated children are invited to attend and remain under the supervision of their caregivers.
This event will take place both indoors and outdoors; every space will be arranged to offer ample safe gathering options.
For more information, Supervisor Saylor’s Davis office may be contacted at (530) 757-5581.