DETROIT – Start with a cup of flour, add some motivated volunteers and the end result - tasty meals that are good for you and the community.
Welcome to Motown Soup, a non-profit organization that is 100% volunteer driven and 100% of the proceeds go to other local organizations.
"I saw there was a need for funding for these programs," said Dan Karlin, who started Motown Soup 10 years ago.
"I wanted to give back but we had to find the right product to sell. When people by things like pottery, they may buy one or two pieces but with food, they'll keep coming back for more," Karlin said.
So Karlin decided to try his hand at soups, dried soups, a product that would have a long shelf life and would be easy for families to make.
The kitchen is donated by Trinity Lutheran Church in Utica and the mission is to give back to local non-profits that need every last donation they can get.
"It just took off," said Karlin. "I never imagined it would grow this big but people like our message."
They expanded their product line to dip mixes, like queso and spinach, and brownie and cookie mixes.
In one year Motown Soup was able to donate over $100,000 to local charities, in 10 years they've raised over $500,000.
"It truly is amazing," said Karlin. "I thought $10,000 was big when we first started."
Major receivers of Motown Soup profits:
- Rescue Mission Ministries
- MCREST
- Gleaners Food Bank
- Forgotten Harvest
- Trinity Community Care
- South Oakland Shelter
- Macomb Homeless Coalition
It takes dozens of volunteers to package the products and they are always looking for help so they can help others.
"When people eat this soup, they should know they are helping to feed other people or provide a home for a night," said 10 year volunteer Janet Houghten. "The food tastes so good, the money goes to a good cause, it's a win-win"
To volunteer or purchase any Motown Soup products click here: http://www.motownsoup.com/