By Kate Atwood
Spring is just around the corner. Suddenly calendars are getting a little busier with picnics, festivals and tropical trips. This seasonal change also makes it a great time to get energized about heading out into the community and giving back. For inspiration, I thought I would share someone in our community who demonstrates how our own lives can blossom with appreciation, by firmly planting our roots into acts that help others.
You are probably most familiar with Jenny Levison’s “soup-erior” culinary skills that have inspired thousands to wait in line for the chance to dine at Souper Jenny’s in Buckhead. More recently, we’ve come to break bread with Jenny at Café Jonah, a fun eatery just around the corner that really embodies a spirit of community and comfort.
I was first introduced to Jenny through her famous soups, however I quickly came to discover that what she cooks up in the kitchen is just a piece of her contribution to the Atlanta community. Here is a chance to learn more about how Jenny is living by giving:
Her Businesses: While many businesses make donations throughout the year, Cafe Jonah, located on Paces Ferry Place, donates 10 percent of daily sales, every day, to three local charities. These charities change each quarter, which allows the efforts to cover many causes annually. Furthermore, both of her restaurants take part in several larger fundraisers each year, donating time or food.
Her Causes: Right now, Jenny is most passionate about “The Link” – a local counseling center specializing in suicide prevention and after care. Jenny had a very close friend commit suicide two years ago and it really changed her life. Jenny would like to see the stigma for people with mental health issues to change in this country and have more help readily available.
Her Living by Giving Dream: More than anything, Jenny would like to impact homelessness in the next decade. With the downturn in the economy, Jenny has recognized just how vulnerable we all are from being in big financial trouble. She has met so many homeless people over the past year with fascinating stories of what their lives were before a financial issue sent them spiraling down to where they are now.
Jenny is certain that her acts to help others have benefited her own well-being by simply making her more aware of how fortunate she is and how grateful she is of her own life. This spring she’ll plant more charitable roots, literally, by building a community garden in the back of Café Jonah. It is sure to bring more joy to all of those who help nurture its growth as well as the families it feeds.
Jenny’s tips for “Living by Giving” are easy: Think about who you would like to help if money weren’t involved; what issues in your own community are important to you; and start small by doing a random act of kindness for someone…today.
And because she helps us so much around Atlanta, we can feel good about supporting Jenny. Check out her new book, Souper Jenny Does Salad, coming out this spring. For more information visit souperjennyatl.com.
For more about Kate Atwood, visit KateAtwood.com.
