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Dale Dunning’s Jusst Sooup stirs up fun and funds in Rehoboth

The Rev. Dale Dunning, center, stands with Ed Shockley, left, and Elton Lewis at “A Day of Music” at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center March 29. Lewis organized the event, while Shockley wrote the song “Just Soup.” DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
April 3, 2025

John 21:15-17 says, “If you love me, then feed my sheep.”

And that’s just what Dale and Ken Dunning have been doing for more than 16 years at Jusst Sooup Ministry outside Lewes. It started with a hot plate, then evolved into crock pots, and the Dunnings have been serving more than 1,000 quarts of soup each week to feed the hungry and homeless across lower Delaware. To date, Dale has led 17 soup kitchens and delivered nearly 2 million meals to the less fortunate.

To support the Dunnings’ calling, A Day of Music was held March 29 at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center to help defray the cost of the ministry.

“A few years ago, Sydney’s co owner Elton Lewis told me he wanted to do a fundraiser for me and Jusst Sooup,” said Dale Dunning. “I had forgotten about it since then, but Elton didn’t, and he followed through on his promise. He is wonderful.”

“I wanted to hold an event that would bring people together for the cause,” said Lewis. “The cause was raising money for Jusst Sooup. There was a group of us that met and put a plan together, and we went out to solicit donations for auction and also cash donations direct to Jusst Sooup.” 

The afternoon started off with a performance by Earth Jam, led by Robbie LeBlanc and Mike Daisey.

Side-splitting humor was provided by comedian Don Hines, and the music of Luther Re-Lives honored the late Luther Vandross. 

The CD single, “Just Soup,” written and recorded by local musician Ed Shockley, and Dale Dunning’s book “Jusst Dale” were available for purchase. 

“I’m truly humbled to be chosen to be recognized and supported,” she said. “It was a fantastic, beautiful, awesome, amazing, incredible, magnificent event. I am so blessed.”

“Just Soup, Just Soup such a simple thing
Just Soup, just do it for the least of these
Are my precious ones, these are my children
Tell ‘em the door is always open
And if you’re any kind of hungry,
Come on in.”
- Ed Shockley.

 

Having fun at the cocktail hour are (l-r) David Lewis, Jeff Lawton and Anthony Lewis.
Al Roach welcomes the audience to the event.
Tracey and Jon Cirwithian provided a photo booth for the attendees.
Shannon Chambers bids on a guitar pocketbook donated by the Dunnings.
This Josh Reserve wine was available at the silent auction.
Enjoying the music are (l-r) Brenda Milbourne, Bernice Alford, Merry McRae and Antionette Brittingham.
DJ Smooth Rob, aka Robert Moreland, provides music throughout the evening.
Posing for a picture are (l-r) Juanita Knox, Theresa Bradley and Hattie Harris.
Debbis Hines, left, and Patricia Otero await the entertainment for the evening.
Enjoying the event in back are (l-r) Alan Kiser, Ron Taylor, Frances Earvin and Sintelle Taylor. In front are Marvarine Davis and Colleen Thompson.
Comedian Don Hines delivers side-splitting humor about Sussex County.
Comedian Don Hines brings down the house.
The music of Luther Re-Lives is tribute to the late Luther Vandross by William "Smooth" Wardlaw.
William "Smooth" Wardlaw entertains the crowd as Luther Vandross.
Dale Dunning speaks to the attendees about how blessed she is to have so many people who support her.
These guitar handbags were donated to the silent auction by the Dunnings.
Ken and Dale Dunning had “Jusst Dale” books available for purchase.
“Jusst Sooup” founder Dale Dunning thanks the attendees for their love and support.

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Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs. 

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