Who’s ready for a Super Bowl or Super Soul Party?

This weekend is one of the biggest parties in the country, nothing brings friends and family together for a great time, like the Super Bowl.  This year’s matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles is no different.  While we enjoy the game this weekend, there is a community of folks that don’t normally have this opportunity.

I recently had the pleasure to chat with Meir Kay, Founder of Super Soul Parties.  These annual parties are put on to give the homeless community an opportunity to not only enjoy the big game but more importantly an opportunity to make connections with folks with and without homes.  Meir mentions the term “dignity” a great deal and stresses the importance of this.

Meir’s story began six years ago in 2017 when he was walking through New York City and met a homeless man, whose sign was not asking for food, money or a drink.  He simply wanted to be seen.  Meir talks about how this moment hit home for him and he sat down and had a conversation with this man.  This started Meir’s mind turning and it was around the Super Bowl and he thought, how can we bring these folks together and provide an opportunity for them to just be part of society and enjoy the game.  The Super Soul Party was born.

Meir’s conversations with those that were touched that evening said they felt like regular people and had their dignity back. He also said being part of the event, you couldn’t tell who was homeless and who wasn’t.

Meir did not initially intend to make this an annual event, but his video of the event went viral, and people began reaching out to him asking how they can help with the event, as well as bring the party to their own cities.

The events also provide barbers, clothing drives, and of course food.  They also provide them with “dignity bags”, which are sponsored by Hanes.  These bags contain hygiene products and everyday items most of us take for granted.

Today the Super Soul Parties take place in eight locations across the country, New York City, San Francisco, Boseman, MT, Louisville, KY, Milwaukee, WI, Winston Salem, NC, Lakewood, NJ, and Connecticut.

You can also visit the website at SuperSoulParty.org to get involved.  They offer volunteer opportunities at any of the eight locations but if you aren’t in these areas to volunteer, you can also donate to the cause.  They are currently running a campaign to raise money to help fund this year’s party.  The goal is to raise $150,000 by the time Super Bowl LVII kicks off but you can donate throughout the year.

If you have a passion and desire to begin one of these parties at your location, you can do that as well.  Again, just hop over to their website, supersoulparty.org and get started today!