Fundraisers net $12K for Victory Kitchen

Monday, 12 December 2005

By RASHA ALY
rashaaly@sanduskyregister.com

SANDUSKY - Victory Temple Soup Kitchen will not close anytime soon.

During a second open house fundraiser for Victory Kitchen, 1613 Hayes Ave., Sandusky City Commissioner Dave Waddington said Dick Kinzel, chairman of the board of Cedar Fair L.P., came in with a surprise.

Cedar Fair will donate all the money tossed into Cedar Point's fountains to Victory Kitchen for next year, Kinzel said over the phone. At a Thursday business meeting, Cedar Fair officials decided the soup kitchen would be a "good place to direct the money."

The amusement park has several fountains and water parks where park guests throw in extra coins, Kinzel said. In addition to that, the employees also contribute any lost money they find to a "fountain fund." Money collected from the fountain is $7,000-$12,000 a year.

Usually, the money is given to help those in need, Kinzel said. Last year's money went to Hurricane Katrina victims.

There was concern over Victory Kitchen when the Rev. Lonnie Walters, founder of the kitchen, said he would have to close the charity if it did not receive any support. His warning prompted local officials such as Waddington to help raise money for the soup kitchen.

For the last two Saturdays, Waddington has been at Victory Kitchen, accepting donations.

However, Waddington said Victory Kitchen could not have been saved without the community's help.

In addition to Kinzel's donation, there was $4,250 in other community contributions, Waddington said. Area organizations and residents also dropped off checks.

On Saturday, Vice Mayor Dan Kaman and Commissioner-elect Brian Crandall joined Waddington at the soup kitchen. On Dec. 3, Commissioner Dannie Edmon helped out. He could not join the others last Saturday because of an out-of-town job commitment.

Kinzel also stopped by the first fundraiser open house, where he made an earlier, private donation, Waddington said.

The total donations from both weeks sums up to $12,601.

"It is a good feeling to be able to help out," Waddington said.

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