About the Luncheon

Stewpot’s Annual Business & Professional Leaders Luncheon allows our donors to learn about the current work of Stewpot to address critical needs in our community such as food insecurity, housing instability, and homelessness.

Each year, a local community figure speaks at the luncheon, and friends of Stewpot gather together to share fellowship and a meal. Hosts of the luncheon provide a $1,000 sponsorship to support the various ministries of Stewpot. In recognition of their generous contribution, their name is listed in the Stewpot newsletter, social media, website, and on the event program.

Our hosts' generous donations and support make it possible for Stewpot to adequately fund all of our ministries.

This year’s Business and Professional Leaders Luncheon will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at The Capital Club. We are honored to welcome Wendy D. Bailey, Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, as this year’s speaker. Ms. Bailey has served as Executive Director since 2021 and has been with the Department of Mental Health for more than 20 years. She is a Licensed Mental Health Administrator and Certified Public Manager and serves on numerous boards and task forces at both the state and national levels. She has received numerous awards for her leadership and service, including the NAMI Mississippi Visionary Leadership Award, the Paul D. Cotten Leadership Award, the Albert Randel Hendrix Leadership Award. We look forward to hearing her insights on the challenges facing our state and the work being done to strengthen mental health resources for all Mississippians.