Friar’s from the Capuchin Soup Kitchen mingle with guests at this year’s event.

“There’s something about coming together to support a great cause. This event is a great way to spend a beautiful midsummer evening, on the water with refreshments and friends”, says Mike Schodowski, founder of the annual Benefit on the Bay, which donates 100% of it’s proceeds to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen.

Started in 1993, The Benefit on the Bay was just a small function aimed at bringing people together to raise awareness about poverty and hunger. Twenty years later, this “small function” has blossomed into a full-fledged extravaganza, drawing over 600 attendees for one of Benefit on the Bay’s biggest turnouts yet!

Originally hosted at the Island Cove Marina in 1993, Mike’s first benefit EVER was able to donate $1,400 to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen. In following years, the Benefit would continue to grow until eventually, it was decided that a larger venue was necessary. In just 6 years, the event outgrew the Island Cove Marina, and in 1999, the benefit moved to Gino’s Surf. It would take only three years at Gino’s before the event once-again outgrew it’s home.

Mike Schodowski poses for a quick picture this year at the Benefit on the Bay. Congrats on another successful event, Mike! Great job!

Fast forward to 2003, Benefit on the Bay was gaining steam after 10 years of great events, and the time came again to seek out a larger venue, one capable of housing the nearly 450 people planning on attending. After weeks of searching, Mike finally connected with Mac & Ray’s Harbor Bistro and secured the perfect spot to throw his annual bash.

Over the past ten years, the Benefit on the Bay has sold out of tickets without even really trying, garnering over 600 guests each year, and growing. “No longer a beer and pizza party, the Benefit on the Bay extravaganza spares no details, from a great meal, stellar entertainment, and the fabulous atmosphere”, says Mike, adding, “…the best part is, it’s for a great cause.”

Celebrating 20 years, the benefit raised over $100,000 for the Capuchin Soup Kitchen. To date, Benefit on the Bay has raised over 1 Million dollars in net proceeds for the soup kitchen, which provides 50,000+ meals to the needy each year, along with clothing, shoes, and shelter.

Inspired by the spirit of St. Francis, and sponsored by the Capuchins of the Province of St. Joseph, the Capuchin Soup Kitchen serves the less fortunate. Providing food, clothing, and other household necessities, along with therapy and a strong support system,  the soup kitchen aims to serve as a positive factor and healing force for these needy individuals.

It may be too late to attend this year’s event, but the line is already beginning to form for 2014’s Benefit on the Bay. Stay tuned for more pictures from this year’s Benefit, as well as new details on how to lock up your seat for next year’s Benefit on the Bay!