Soup Fundraiser Warms Hearts Virtually

By Kimberly Kweder

Even though the pandemic changed how in-person events are held for Heritage Baptist Church in Annapolis, organizers are betting that virtual soup still has the power to connect people and warm hearts on a wintery night.

“The soup this year is virtual but the difference your donation makes is very real,” said Lea Hurt, Heritage Baptist SOUPer Bowl Coordinator.

Since 2007, Heritage Baptist Church has hosted the SOUPer Bowl Lunch for the Light House Homeless Prevention Support Center on the same day as the National Football League’s Super Bowl game. Since its inception, the event has raised over $37,000 cumulatively, according to Hurt.

The 16th Annual SOUPer Bowl Fundraiser kicks off a week before the football game this year and runs Feb. 6-13, on the church website (HeritageLoves.com) and social media platforms. This year’s goal is $2,000.

When it began, the event was a way for the community to get active in fundraising on a more accessible level. One hundred percent of donated funds go directly to the Light House. Pre-pandemic, the SOUPer Bowl lunch would draw people to the church to eat, socialize and donate to the shelter, says Hurt. This year, special guests will post recipes of their favorite soups, chilis, and other family favorites online in hopes of inspiring viewers to make it themselves and write out a check.

Soup recipes will be posted daily and come from a line-up of local leaders. “It’s great to get a peek inside their kitchens,” Hurt said.

         SOUPer Bowl co-founder and chef Zachary Pope shares his clam chowder recipe. Del. Shaneka Henson has a chili recipe, chef Shannon Costello shares a bean minestrone soup, K&B True Value owner Jared Littman has a corn chowder, and Bowie Baysox General Manager Brian Shallcross shares his Baysox to Buffalo Soup. Restaurant owner Andrew Parks and Chevy’s owner and local baking celebrity Tom O’Leary round out the roster.

The Light House serves over 2,000 people every year and since the pandemic began, that number has grown by more than 40 percent. “It’s important to see the need and respond,” Hurt said.

“We are deeply grateful to Heritage Baptist Church and their partners for supporting our mission each year through their SOUPer Bowl Lunch for The Light House,” said Jo Ann Mattson, Light House executive director. “Our small but mighty organization is a place where neighbors help neighbors and this thoughtful event embodies that spirit.”