Nearly 1,000 supporters packed the 14th annual Soup and Bread fundraiser Sunday, selling out the event and raising more than $150,000 for BEDS Plus.
The organization, which provides shelter, housing, and supportive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Chicago’s south and west suburbs, moved the event to a larger venue this year—Countryside Banquet and Conference Center in Countryside—to accommodate growing demand.
“This is a great turnout once again for a fantastic cause,” said Steve Palmer, owner of Stadium Club in McCook and the event’s honorary chairperson and master of ceremonies. “BEDS Plus is a wonderful organization. The staff is fantastic, led by Tina Rounds. She’s a hustler—she was here yesterday moving ladders and hanging up signs. The staff, board, and volunteers do the best job at helping so many.”
For four hours, guests sampled hot soup from 24 local restaurants, barbecue from Chuck’s Southern Comforts Cafe in Darien and Burbank, desserts from Nothing Bundt Cakes locations in La Grange and Oak Lawn, along with craft beer and wine.
Palmer noted that executive chef and owner of Chuck’s Southern Comforts Cafe, Chuck Pine, oversaw the kitchen to ensure smooth operations. He also highlighted the scale of community support: participating restaurants each donated 15 gallons of soup, and Rosen’s contributed over 5,000 rolls—a dramatic increase from the single case they donated in the event’s first year.
Entertainment came from live performances by Crows of Fury, the Grey Blues Band, and Hugo Elvis, along with roaming magician Marko performing close-up tricks throughout the venue.
For Hugo Elvis, a 25-year-old Elvis impersonator who performs nearly 100 shows a year across the country, Sunday marked his first time at Soup and Bread.
“I’m honored to be here,” Hugo said. “I perform at Stadium Club every month, but haven’t done this before. Steve (Palmer) asked me to and I was happy to do it.”
Hugo has been impersonating Elvis since childhood, when he performed at a school talent show. He lives in Chicago and performs regionally and nationally.
Tina Rounds, CEO of BEDS Plus, said the event exemplifies the organization’s mission.
“Fifteen years ago we developed this event as a way to spread and support the mission of BEDS Plus,” Rounds said. “What is so special about BEDS Plus is how we come together from all walks of life and support each other. This event exemplifies that spirit in all the best ways. You may be sitting next to strangers and find out they are a former client or the agency’s largest donor. It’s just like our shelter—supporting and building community, one interaction at a time.”
Rounds thanked the event’s sponsors, who provided $100,000 in support. Title sponsor Linda Sokol Francis has backed the event annually. Major sponsors included Marquette Bank, Rockpile Strategies, Heartland Bank, and Filkins Vineyards.
With homelessness at historic levels in the region, 90% of funds raised directly support BEDS Plus programs that move people from crisis to stability and permanent housing.
In FY25, BEDS Plus assisted nearly 6,000 people—a 3,600% increase over the past decade.
