Souper Bowl of Caring

The Souper Bowl of Caring utilizes Super Bowl weekend in America to mobilize young people to fight hunger and poverty in their local communities. Its vision is to transform the Big Game into America's largest youth-led time of giving and serving. Young people collect monetary and food donations during the weeks leading up to and after Super Bowl Sunday. 100% of the money and food is then given directly to local charities of the group's choice.[1]

Souper Bowl of Caring
Founded1990 in Columbia, South Carolina
FounderRev. Dr. Brad Smith
FocusHunger, Poverty, Youth Service
HeadquartersHouston
Location
  • United States and some other countries
Area served
North America (Some participants worldwide)
Key people
Executive Director Alison Reese
Websitehttps://souperbowl.org

Started in 1990 at Spring Valley Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina, the Souper Bowl of Caring has branched out to include schools, businesses and congregations of all faiths. Together, they have raised more than $143 million in monetary and food donations. In 2019, more than 4,500 groups collected over $9 million of food and contributions.[2]

The Souper Bowl of Caring has gained national attention, securing partnerships with NFL Teams, in addition to finding National Advocates in former President and Mrs George H.W. Bush and former President and Mrs Jimmy Carter.[3]

History

The Souper Bowl of Caring began in 1990 with a simple prayer said by Reverend Brad Smith at Spring Valley Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina:

Lord, even as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us be mindful of those who are without a bowl of soup to eat.[2]

22 churches raised $5,700 in the first year. The number of groups involved has steadily grown each year, and so has the amount raised and put back into the communities.[2][4]

Service Blitz

During the time before and after the Super Bowl, "Service Blitzes" are held in many communities nationwide. Young people come together to volunteer with and donate to local charities. This gives the participants exposure to the cause they are fighting: poverty, hunger, homelessness and injustice. Some communities sponsor local events to raise awareness, others get their youth group or club involved with a soup kitchen to have a hands-on experience.[5]

National Youth Advisory Board

While Souper Bowl of Caring is led by adults and youth on the Board of Directors, the basis of the organization is its connection with young people serving their communities. Therefore, in 2007, a National Youth Advisory Board (NYAB) was created to bring youth ambassadors of the Souper Bowl to local communities around America. The NYAB is composed of high school students from around the country who serve as youth spokespersons to the media, lead and advise their respective communities, assist the Souper Bowl of Caring by providing ideas and suggestions and represent the Souper Bowl in a positive manner. Additionally, they attend meetings to prepare for the upcoming service events.[6]

References
  1. Soup's On -- at the Souper Bowl of Caring, January 14, 2008, archived from the original on April 14, 2013
  2. Souper Bowl of Caring statistics page
  3. "Youth Will Use Super Bowl Sunday to Reach Out to Those in Need Through Souper Bowl of Caring", Business Wire, January 19, 2005, retrieved 2008-11-14
  4. Souper Bowl of Caring History Time Line
  5. Souper Bowl of Caring Service Blitz info, retrieved 2010-09-30
  6. Souper Bowl of Caring NYAB, retrieved 2010-09-30

Sources
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