On Jan. 26, Erie hosted its own Souper Bowl at the Zem Zem Shrine Club. Rather than competitors sporting jerseys, local competitors boasted aprons and pots of soup.
The 22nd annual Souper Bowl is a fundraiser for Sarah Reed Children’s Center, a local mental health organization that promotes the wellbeing of children and families.
According to Parkhurst manager of catering Jackie Dietrick, they service over 1,700 children and families throughout 44 counties in Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York.
“The work they provide has a positive impact on the children they serve, their families and community,” Dietrick said.
To raise money for the organization, 10 local companies held a contest of who could prepare the best soup.
Competitors included Sabella’s Catering, Underdog BBQ, Bayfront Grille and Mercyhurst’s own Parkhurst, among others. Between the ten competitors, 35 gallons of soup were prepared.
Parkhurst’s Chef Cody Brewer prepared Cheeseburger Soup, which Dietrick said tastes like a Big Mac, and Chef Art Catrow made a Chili Relleno.
For only $12, attendees were able to sample 10 different soups and vote on their favorite. The business with the greatest number of votes would be named Souper Bowl XXII champion in addition to winning $1,000.
This year’s winner, as voted by the nearly 1,200 attendees, was Sassy Squash Soup prepared by Sabella’s Catering, followed by Underdog BBQ’s Triple Pig Mac Soup and Skunk & Goat’s Lasagne Soup. Catrow’s Chili Relleno placed 5th.
The real winner, however, was Sarah Reed’s Children Center who received approximately $20,000 from the event.