BETHLEHEM, Pa. - s4story -- For 35 years, Souper Day has brought the Lehigh Valley together to support neighbors experiencing hunger and homelessness. This year, New Bethany is expanding that conversation by bringing healthcare and community leaders together to explore how collaboration can improve outcomes for neighbors facing complex challenges.

On Friday, Sept. 18, at 11 a.m. at ArtsQuest in Bethlehem, New Bethany will host its annual Souper Day fundraiser. Proceeds will support New Bethany's efforts to provide food access, housing and social services that help neighbors overcome barriers to stability.

"Souper Day represents the power of what happens when a community comes together around a shared commitment to care for one another," said Veronne Demesyeux, associate executive director of New Bethany. "The challenges our neighbors face are complex, and no single organization can solve them alone. Through strong partnerships and collaboration, we can create more effective pathways to stability, health and hope."

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The annual fundraiser brings together community leaders, donors, partners and neighbors to discuss the challenges facing the region and the collaborative solutions needed to create lasting impact. During the luncheon, attendees will enjoy a catered soup-and-salad luncheon inspired by the meals served daily at New Bethany's Southside Drop-In Center.

This year's event will feature a panel discussion exploring the connection between healthcare access, community resources and overall well-being. Local leaders will discuss how collaboration across organizations can help address the complex challenges impacting residents throughout the Lehigh Valley.

The panel discussion, moderated by BSI Corporate Benefits' Chief of Staff Kelly Chando, will feature:

• Veronica Gonzalez, chief executive officer of Valley Health Partners Community Health Center
• Kevin Greene, chief growth officer for Preventive Measures
• Quynh Hicks, president and executive director of Star Community Health
• Melissa M. Miranda, CEO of Neighborhood Health Centers of the Lehigh Valley
• Jessica E. Katzbeck, executive director of Haven House

Event sponsors include:

• Air Products
• BSI Corporate Benefits
• Buckeye Partners
• Cathedral Church of the Nativity
• Crayola
• Just Born
• Olympus
• One Putt Ventures
• Provident Bank
• St. Luke's University Health Network
• Turnstone Creative LLC

Registration is required by Sept. 9. For more information, sponsor opportunities, and event registration, visit newbethany.org/event/souperday

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About New Bethany

New Bethany Inc. is a Bethlehem-based nonprofit dedicated to providing food access, housing and social services to individuals and families experiencing poverty, hunger and homelessness. Since its founding in 1985, New Bethany has served more than 1.1 million meals, supported more than 2,000 residents through its housing programs and engaged more than 12,000 volunteers. For more information, visit www.newbethany.org.