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Florence soup kitchen sees 12% increase due to now-free public transport, needs help raising funds

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 7:30 GMT by Post and Courier
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Florence’s Manna House Hosts Successful Karaoke Fundraiser for Soup Kitchen

By Jane Doe – Post & Courier

On Saturday, November 10th, the historic Florence Manna House became a stage for music, community, and generosity when the nonprofit opened its doors for a one‑night-only karaoke fundraiser. The event, billed as “Sing for a Cause,” drew more than 200 residents, volunteers, and local business owners to the soup kitchen’s volunteer‑run kitchen and fellowship hall. According to the Manna House staff, the fundraiser surpassed its original goal, raising over $4,500 to fund the shelter’s winter meal program, bedding supplies, and community outreach services.

A Night of Song and Service

The Manna House, a 20‑bed, 20‑table soup kitchen that has served Florence’s homeless and low‑income population for over 40 years, has long relied on the support of the Pee Dee community. “We are a family here,” said Executive Director Maria Martinez, who opened the event with a heartfelt thanks to everyone who turned up. “When people come together to sing and support us, it reminds us that we are not alone.”

The night began with a brief welcome address from Martinez, who outlined the House’s current needs. “We’re seeing an increase in people needing temporary shelter and meals,” she said. “The winter months are especially hard for those without a roof. Every dollar helps.” Following her remarks, the karaoke machine was turned on and the first song was sung— an upbeat rendition of “Happy” by Pharrell Williams that set the tone for the evening.

The venue’s single stage, a modest set of plywood and a portable speaker, served as the focal point for the 150 participants who took turns performing in a friendly, competitive atmosphere. Local music teachers, choir members, and even a few professional musicians from the Florence Symphony Orchestra were among the crowd. Participants paid a $10 entry fee per song, which was split between the House’s operating budget and a silent auction of donated items that included gift certificates to local restaurants, concert tickets, and a “home makeover” package from a local interior designer.

Community Involvement

The fundraiser’s success was in part due to the generous sponsorship of several local businesses. The Florence‑based restaurant “Pineapple Café” donated a full‑price meal for every entry fee collected, while the hardware store “Hardee’s Tools” provided a $500 donation for the House’s new heating system. “We love being a part of this community event,” said Hardee’s owner Tom Hardee. “It’s a great way to give back and keep our neighborhood vibrant.”

The event also featured a “Singers’ Spotlight” segment in which volunteers shared stories of how the Manna House had impacted their lives. One such volunteer, 27‑year‑old Sam Green, a former homeless youth who now works as a volunteer coordinator, recounted how the House’s support had helped him find stable housing and a job. “When I first came here, I had nowhere to go,” Green said. “They provided me with food, a place to sleep, and the encouragement to get back on my feet. Tonight, I’m singing for them because they gave me hope.”

A Fundraising Model That Works

Manna House has used the karaoke format as a creative fundraising model since 2017. The concept is simple: the community enjoys music while supporting a cause, making it a fun and engaging way to raise funds. “Karaoke nights bring in people who might not otherwise attend a charity event,” Martinez explained. “We’re tapping into the joy of music and the generosity of our neighbors.”

The House’s fundraising team, led by volunteer fundraiser Lisa Thompson, reported that the $4,500 raised tonight will cover the cost of meals for more than 800 people during the winter months, purchase new bedding, and fund a summer job training program. “This is a huge win for us,” Thompson said. “It’s not just the money; it’s the sense of community and the message that the people in Florence care.”

Looking Ahead

Manna House plans to continue the karaoke series, with a second event scheduled for February 18th to coincide with the House’s “Community Appreciation Day.” The organization hopes to raise an additional $6,000, which will be earmarked for expanding the shelter’s capacity to 25 beds and improving its nutrition programs.

Martinez urged the community to keep the momentum going: “We’re grateful for tonight’s success, but we need your help all year long. Whether you volunteer your time, donate a meal, or simply spread the word, every little bit counts.”

For those interested in learning more about the Manna House, their mission, or how to get involved, the nonprofit’s website at https://www.mannahouseflorence.org provides a wealth of information. They also maintain an active Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/MannaHouseFlorence, where they share upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and stories from the House’s residents.

A Celebration of Community

The evening at the Florence Manna House proved that when people come together for a shared purpose—be it music, food, or shelter—great things can happen. As the last song faded and the crowd dispersed, the House’s volunteers cleaned up the stage and counted the final donation receipts, grateful for a night of harmony and hope. The Manna House stands as a testament to the power of community, and the karaoke fundraiser is a shining example of how creativity, compassion, and collaboration can make a real difference in the lives of the most vulnerable.