After a three-year hiatus, co-chairs Andrea Perry and Barb Grady were well-prepared to host Souper Bowl IV on January 21, sponsored by the Sweden Senior Association, Inc. (SSAI). Proceeds benefit the SSAI for senior programming, a high school scholarship, and contributions to local charities.
During the winter season there is nothing like soup, the classic comfort food, that warms you inside and out. Attendees at the Sweden Clarkson Recreation Center enjoyed moving from crockpot to crockpot as volunteers ladled 17 different hot soups prepared by 15 Greater Brockport area restaurants. Yes, some folks even came back for seconds.
The following eateries each donated two gallons of their signature soups to sample:
•Abe’s, Spencerport – Creamy ham, broccoli, and potato;
•Brockport Diner, Brockport – Stuffed pepper;
•Eagle Family Restaurant, Sweden – Chicken Florentine;
•58 Main BBQ & Brew, Brockport – Scotch Ale corn beef potato;
•Gallo’s Bar & Grill, Hamlin – Broccoli cheese;
•Grinds 122 Cafe, Brockport/Clarkson – Chicken vegetable & Tomato basil;
•Java Junction, Brockport – Hungarian mushroom;
•Jimmy Z’s Plates & Shakes, Brockport – Italian style meatball;
•Lodge on the Canal/Lifetime Assistance, Brockport – Chicken corn chowder;
•Millhouse Family Restaurant, Clarkson – Lemon Chicken Rice & Beef minestrone;
•Piccolo Fazools Bistro, Brockport – Chicken pastini;
•Port Pockets & Deli, LLC, Brockport – Cheeseburger;
•Red Bird Café and Gift Shop, Brockport – Potato bisque;
•Sam’s Diner, Holley – Beef vegetable;
•The Farmer’s Table, Hamlin – Baked potato chorizo.
Each Souper Bowl IV ticket holder had one vote to choose their favorite soup. The top three winners were: #1 Chicken corn chowder from Lodge on the Canal/Lifetime Assistance; 2 Scotch Ale corn beef potato from 58 Main BBQ and Brew; and #3 Hungarian mushroom from Java Junction.
The SSAI seniors began planning the fundraiser in fall 2022. The 40+ volunteers sell tickets and get soup sponsors from restaurants, farm markets, and businesses. The day of the event, they pick up soup from each restaurant, work in the kitchen, serve the soup, and clean up afterwards. In addition, SSAI members staffed the check-in desk, represented the Dress-a-Girl, Sweden Comfort Quilters, Knitting Club, and the Sweden Senior Singer programs. Home-baked goods, knitted items, and raffle tickets were for sale.
Volunteers included: Chet Fery, The Bread Man (homemade rolls); Justin Whipple, H.H. Dobbin Co. (Empire apples); Julie Passarell, Girl Scout Troop 60784 leader; Julie Passarell, Cloe Passarell, and Annalisa Ray (on-site helpers); Jill Wisnowski, Joe Kincaid, and Tim Manuszewski, Staff, Sweden/Clarkson Community Center; Joan Smith, Sweden Comfort Quilters/Country Neighbors Quilt Guild (quilt); Alahna Grady (tickets); Maeve Grady (signs, posters, and certificates); Joyce Henion (baked goods, raffle baskets); Lori Skoog (photos); and Kathy Kruger (kitchen coordinator).
Several Brockport-area businesses made donations to the event, including Bill Gray’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, Tim Horton’s, McDonald’s, Walmart, Wegmans, and Wendy’s.
“So many contributors made our gathering a terrific success! We are both very grateful for all the help, and have been honored to serve as this year’s co-chairs,” said Perry and Grady.
M. Scott won the quilt raffle and gift baskets were won by Sue Seidle, Mike Lapinski (two), Chet Fery, Cynthia Heaslip, and Ed Steive.
Many folks enjoyed warm soup, a warm gathering, and supported a good cause, making everyone a “winner” at Souper Bowl IV.
For more information about SSAI programming, call 585-431-0090.
Provided information and photos
