Soup for Souls began 17 years ago, thanks to the efforts of Janet South, Kathy Clay, and the late Scott Willis. The concept was simple: for a $30 ticket, guests could paint their own pottery soup bowl, which we would glaze and fire. On the first Thursday evening of March each year, attendees would pick up their completed bowls while enjoying soup, cornbread, and dessert, and bidding on large, hand-tossed Italian bowls painted by local artists. Our first two events were held at Kathleen’s Interiors, featuring two soups, cornbread, desserts, and drinks. As the event grew, we moved to Sykes Place on Bank and now host it at 400 Grant St. Over the years, we’ve expanded to include 14 local restaurants providing soups, the Brick Deli and NCC supporters offering cornbread, and local vendors like Mel’s Sweet Treats, Morgan Price Candy, and Tennessee Valley Pecan contributing desserts. Pepsi provides drinks, and local artists and vendors donate 45-50 art pieces for the silent auction. Guests enjoy a fun evening of soups, desserts, mingling, and bidding, with the option to pick a pre-painted bowl if they prefer not to paint one themselves.

All the funds raised benefit our programs, this year with a focus on our Children and Youth Programs.