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Souper Bowl party a big hit |
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Monday, 08 February 2010 |
By MATT NICHOLS
Staff Writer
Worries that the a major snow storm would turn away residents from an annual church fundraiser were largely unfounded Sunday, as a steady line of people flowed in to enjoy Souper Bowl Sunday.
The event, which was held at the First English Lutheran Church’s Fellowship Hall was deemed a success by event organizers who had feared slick roads would keep the public away.
“You never know how things are going to go, but we’re real happy with the turnout,” said Terry Nelson, wife of First English Pastor the Rev. Steve Nelson.
The third annual event was devised to raise money for the church’s youth programs by providing soup dinners to the public on Super Bowl Sunday. The event was slated to begin at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, but the Fellowship Hall began to fill before that time with residents eager to try one of six different soup varieties.
Taking a break from helping serve residents, Nelson said she had a hand in preparing two of the varieties, but admitted neither was as good as the winter vegetable soup.
Convincing the public of that fact was a difficult task, she said.
“It’s by far the best, but it looks a little suspicious with all those vegetables in it,” Nelson said with a smile. “I think people are little scared to try it.”
First English member Chris Nagel spent the morning as one of approximately 20 volunteers helping serve attendees. Standing before a steaming vat of chicken noodle soup, Nagel said she enjoyed her first year helping with the event.
“It’s just great to come and see everyone here and pitch in and enjoy each other’s company,” Nagel said. “It’s a service to the Lord.”
Nagel said despite being a fundraiser, a competitive streak still arises as the soup makers eye each other’s creations as well as the public’s reactions.
“Not that you’d notice, but when it comes down to whose soup is left, there might be some trash talking,” Nagel said. “But it’s all in good fun.”
The Rev. Steve Nelson said all the funds made from the soup and accompanying pie sale would go toward youth programs, primarily the youth mission trip. In years past, the church youth have traveled to Pineridge Reservation in South Dakota and the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans.
Beyond the tasty creations that were enjoyed on Sunday, Nelson said he was most pleased by the diverse group who decided to volunteer with the event.
“You’ve got youth working with young adults and older adults,” Nelson said. “That’s what’s really cool about an activity like this.”
Nelson said he hoped the volunteers would do well enough on Sunday and not ask for his assistance.
“Hopefully they won’t need my help and I can just sit down and eat,” Nelson said with a smile.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 09 February 2010 )
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