SOUPer Bowl brings out the community for a good cause

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- You’re probably familiar with people running or walking for a good cause, but what about eating for one? Today the community gathered at OUZ Zane State College for the annual SOUPer Bowl.

The 21st annual Souper Bowl is a fundraiser where people get to eat so that someone else can eat. The event features giveaways, a bake sale, and of course, the main attraction: soup.

“We have four different types of soup,” said Jan Smith the SOUPer Bowl Master of Ceremonies. “Something new we’re featuring this year is the tomato basil. And the culinary classes have prepared it and it is marvelous. It is wonderful.”

Each year the community shows up not only to eat the delicious food, but to serve others. The volunteers from young to old come from many different churches and organizations across the city.

“One of the things I’ve noticed every year that I’ve been doing this, more and more, and this year especially: young volunteers.”

13-year-old Isayah Curtis is one of those young people spending their Sunday afternoon serving others. Isayah helped with drinks and cleaning tables, and says he hopes to make the world a better place.

“Because I like to help out in the community and I just feel like it’s a good thing to do. I believe that it’s just kind of my calling.”

Helping out the community is just one of the reasons the Souper Bowl was started and many, like Isayah, hope others are inspired to help those in need.

“I’d just really want to thank the person who just came up with this idea to do the Souper Bowl. It was really thoughtful of them. Even though I’m young I feel this is a good way to help the community for all ages.”

Proceeds from the Souper Bowl will be split between five different food based service organizations: Christ’s Table, Eastside Community Ministry, Fellowship of Christ Community, the Salvation Army, and the Muskingum County Senior Center.