Souper Bowl of Caring raises over $3.75 million

COLUMBIA, SC—At one month after the big game, almost 10,500 congregations and schools have reported raising over $3.75 million through the Souper Bowl of Caring. That number includes 637 Baptist churches reporting $221,906 nationwide and 23 Florida congregations raising $14,339!

“We applaud everyone who used Souper Bowl Sunday to step outside of themselves and help their neighbors in need,” exclaimed Brad Smith, founder and executive director of the Souper Bowl of Caring. “Once all of the reports are in, we expect to be over $4 million, which after the tsunami relief efforts, is quite an accomplishment for these young people.”

Youth across the country collected one-dollar donations in large soup pots on or near February 6. Each group donated their money directly to the charity of their choice—no money was sent to Souper Bowl of Caring headquarters. Organizers simply asked that groups report their collection amount so a national total can be determined. Groups that have not reported are encouraged to do so at www.souperbowl.org or by calling 800-358-SOUP.

Since beginning with a prayer in a single South Carolina church, the Souper Bowl of Caring has raised over $27 million for hungry and hurting people. Visit our scrapbook at www.souperbowl.org to see pictures and stories shared by this year’s participants.

About the Souper Bowl of Caring: The Souper Bowl of Caring is a grassroots, faith-based crusade against hunger led by young people who collect donations in soup pots as parishioners leave religious services on Super Bowl football Sunday. Participation teaches the young people that God can use them to make a difference in the lives of others. Plans are already underway for Souper Bowl 2006. Visit www.souperbowl.org for more information or to join our mailing list.