Indiana County Soup Fundraiser Brings In $13,000

Nothing brings a community together quite like good soup and a great cause, and Indiana County just proved both can raise serious money for families in need.

The United Way Souper Bowl fundraiser served up $13,000 in donations this week, with organizers fulfilling 900 pre-orders before the doors even opened at Eisenhower Elementary School. Campaign co-chair Aaron Ludwig said the event ran smoothly thanks to the Indiana School District, with volunteers loving the setup in the school's gym and cafeteria.

Eight local favorites brought their A-game to the friendly competition. ICTC, C.H. Fields, 9th Street Deli, Nap's, Romeo's, The Roadside, Spaghetti Benders and Chartwells all served up signature soups for hungry supporters.

The format is simple but brilliant: restaurants donate their best soup recipes, community members buy bowls to support United Way programs, and one lucky restaurant takes home bragging rights as Souper Bowl champion. The winner hadn't been announced yet, but the real victory was already clear in the donation total.

The Ripple Effect

That $13,000 will fuel United Way programs across Indiana County, supporting everything from emergency assistance to youth development. Every bowl of soup purchased becomes tutoring sessions for struggling students, warm coats for families facing winter, and support services that keep neighbors on their feet during tough times.

The restaurants didn't just donate soup. They donated their ingredients, their chef's time, their kitchen labor, and their reputation by putting their best recipes forward for judgment.

Meanwhile, the 900 families who pre-ordered didn't just get dinner. They got the warm feeling of knowing their Tuesday night meal was helping someone else have a better week, month, or year.

This is how community fundraising should work: local businesses showing up, neighbors supporting neighbors, and schools opening their doors to make good things happen. No fancy galas or complicated campaigns required.

Just really good soup, served with a side of hope.