The Soup Ladies
Posted by Gary O'Rielly
on Nov 24, 2015
We often are so engaged in watching the First Responders working the various tragedies that we do not see the behind the scenes helpers and special workers. First Responders are our heroes but they have their own set of heroes. Until recent events, no one likely heard of the Soup Ladies. Two weeks ago, we were privileged to have as our speaker Gina "Mama" Passarelli, the founder of the Soup Ladies. There are approximately 45 volunteers who assist her in tragic events like the OSO mudslide and the Marysville Pilchuck High School shootings including many other events such as the major forest fires and the shooting in Roseburg. Last year, the Soup Ladies served over 7,300 meals and this year are at 7,500 meals.
How did the Soup Ladies get started? It all happened when Mama Passarelli went to Mississippi with her church to help with the destruction caused by Katrina. While there, a chef from Kansas showed up and served BBQ dinners to all of the First Responders and other volunteers. She returned home, and started a 501(c)(3) organization which is funded by donors. Since its inception in 2004, the Soup Ladies have provided thousands of meals to our law enforcement, SAR, firefighters and other emergency first responders across local, county, state and federal jurisdictions. Their goal is to provide meals to all of these individuals in these tragic events. Recipes are high carbs and protein to get them through the day.
All of their volunteers are FEMA certified in ICS, background checked by the King County Sheriff's Department, King County SAR credentialed badges, Washington certified Food Workers, experienced in serving jurisdictions throughout the U.S. and available to deploy across the United States. Their volunteer base includes certified chaplains.
You are encouraged to learn more about The Soup Ladies and make a financial contribution. Click The Soup Ladies.
Again, heroes come in many forms and backgrounds. The Soup Ladies are heroes to the First Responder teams, police, fire, SAR and military personnel. In instances of disasters and prolonged critical incident scenes, they prepare and serve home meals tailored to special nutritional needs of all of these individuals and at no cost to these groups. Thanks so much for your service, Mama Passarelli and her 45 plus volunteers. She wants to start a chapter in north King County and Snohomish County. In her spare time, Mama Passarelli's owns a restaurant in Black Diamond.