A special message from VNA’s 2023 Art & Soup Honorary Chair, John Lee Hoich.
Art & Soup Event
Sep 21, 2023 03:48PM ● By Natalie McGovern Omaha Magazine
“John Lee Hoich of Hoich Enterprises had the privilege last April of serving as Honorary Chair of Art & Soup, the Visiting Nurses Association annual fundraiser. Each year the VNA partners with local artists and vendors to host the 26th annual community event for a worthy cause. Their mission is straightforward: Eat soup. Buy art. Change lives.
For 126 years, this nonprofit has set out to rectify a growing problem of homelessness and bring healthcare to underserved communities in Omaha and Council Bluffs. Founded in 1896 by the mayor of Omaha’s daughter Anna Millard Rogers, the VNA serviced unwed mothers and low-income families, providing free healthcare. It was Millard Rogers’ dream to take direct healthcare to the impoverished and less fortunate. The program has continued to thrive since its inception, carrying on an impactful and longstanding legacy. Unlike most average fundraisers, with Art & Soup there are no tables for ten, raising the paddle, ice sculptures, or speeches. Its whittled down to a three-hour event where attendees can come and go as they please, buy art, and enjoy a tasty selection of soup. In 2023 they raised $180,000 through corporate sponsorships, donations, and ticket sales.”