On Saturday, February 10th, 2024, Statesboro, Georgia, will host Soup-er Bowl Saturday, an innovative community event designed to bring people together for a good cause. Backed by a coalition of both corporate and local partners such as Walmart, Panera Bread, The Artists of The Averitt Center’s Roxie Remley Center for Fine Arts, the Ladies of Mt. Zion AME Senior Mission, Pittman Park UMC, and the Special Friends of the Food Bank, this initiative underscores the community’s commitment to supporting those in need through collective action and creativity.
The Soup-er Bowl will take place at Pittman Park United Methodist (1102 Fair Rd.) from 11am-3pm.
The event will feature an array of gourmet soups prepared by SheilaCooks, along with cornbread and a selection of desserts provided for purchase through the Ladies of Mt. Zion AME Senior Mission, offering attendees a unique culinary experience.
There are four ticket options available, including special one-of-a-kind ceramic bowls crafted by the artisans of the Averitt Center in Statesboro, plastic collectible event bowls with a unique commemorative logo, convenient regular paper/takeaway bowls, and a Lil Foodie Children's Bowl for the little ones which will be approximately 8oz serving size. There's a perfect choice for everyone. Adult bowls will generously contain about 12-16 oz of mouthwatering soup.
The collaboration between the Averitt Center and the Food Bank is one highlight of the event, with artists and community members alike coming together to support the initiative. Kimberly Riner of the Averitt Center spoke about the partnership and its significance.
"The Food Bank asked if local talented artists could make and donate a few good soup-sized bowls for their cause. This reminded me of my time at Georgia Southern, where we supported the Food Bank through an empty bowl project. We have continued similar efforts since then, including fundraisers for the Averitt Center where we sold bowls at downtown events. Although we stopped these specific fundraisers last year, we're excited to partner in a small way with the Food Bank to help them raise money for their new facility and to support their program," explained Kim.
Kim further highlighted the enthusiasm within the artist community for this cause: "Artists at the Roxie were happy to use their talents for such a great cause. We know there is a great need in this community and are happy to give in a small way. We hope this partnership can be an annual event."
The Roxie Remley Center for Fine Arts is still accepting donations of handmade bowls, with artists and community members encouraged to participate.
Soup-er Bowl Saturday not only offers a chance to enjoy delicious soups but also serves as a platform for community engagement and support for local non-profits by bringing awareness to food insecurity in the community. The event will give people an opportunity to get involved and take action in a very tangible way.
Tickets for the event are available for purchase online at www.givebutter.com/souperbowl or in person at the Food Bank Pantry on Morgan Way. This event represents a unique opportunity for Statesboro residents to come together, enjoy a warm meal, and contribute to a worthy cause.
The generosity of artists and the support from local non-profits are instrumental in the success of Soup-er Bowl Saturday. For those interested in donating bowls, participating in the event, or seeking more information about the Statesboro Food Bank’s February event, please follow their Facebook page or reach out directly at (912) 386-1462.
