Last Friday morning, Jenny Levison breezed through a “Today” show segment with Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb, whipping up cauliflower soup with sake and a roasted orange pepper puree.
But the restaurateur and cookbook author known to Atlantans as “Souper” Jenny is cooking with a little more kindness these days.
Last month, Levison received a copy of Cami Walker’s book, “29 Days of Giving,” which details Walker’s struggle with multiple sclerosis and her decision to take the advice of a South African healer and give away something every day, for 29 days, as a different form of therapy.
Walker’s life was profoundly changed as she realized the benefits of mutual generosity.
Its message is one that Levison is putting into practice, along with her 20 employees at the Souper Jenny and Café Jonah restaurants.
“I thought it would be good to do at springtime – new beginning, cleansing,” Levison said.
Staff participation is mandatory and -- to jump-start their giving metabolism -- Levison purchased copies of Walker’s book for all of them. On the “29 Days of Giving with Souper Jenny” Facebook page and in a YouTube video, Levison and the staff discuss their random acts of kindness and what provoked them.
One employee bought dinner for a man and his children who seemed down on their luck and paid for their cab ride home. Another brought chocolate pasta to a vegan friend.
But, while tangible giving is encouraged, so are other, less material ideas.
On Levison’s first day of the challenge, she wrote her mother a love letter to thank her for being such a great parent.
Even Levison’s son, Jonah, is participating, and has been doling out hugs and helping schoolmates with their homework.
“I think that I give in a lot of different ways. Sometimes it’s easy to buy something, but it takes more intention to do something that’s out of your way,” Levison said. “It’s all about trying to become more aware. Let each day unfold and see where you can make that happen. I’m hoping it becomes spontaneous.”
Starting May 1, Levison is asking her customers to join the challenge, too.
She’s decorated her cafes with posters and fliers explaining the goal of the giving project and will have Walker’s book available for purchase.
While Levison has always been a proponent of community activism, her motive for involving herself and her staff in Walker’s challenge is simple: “It’s about getting more mindful about how you move through your day.”
To learn about Walker’s “29-Day Giving Challenge,” visit www.29gifts.org. Walker will speak at the Women on the Move luncheon at the Intercontinental Hotel-Buckhead at 6 p.m. June 16. Members of the local group Atlanta Living by Giving will meet at 11:30 a.m. April 16 at Tea Leaves and Thyme in Woodstock to plan events for Walker’s visit. For information about joining Atlanta Living by Giving, call 404-406-3606.
