The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
SOUP SUPPER
Donations for hot bowls of homemade chowder, chili will aid Amazing Grace food pantry Thursday
MIDDLETOWN » Break out the soup ladles and warm up the bread, the time has arrived for the Amazing Challenge Soup Supper.
The event coincides perfectly with the chillier days of autumn that seem to call out for hearty, home-cooked fare.
The popular dinner takes place Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the M. Davitt Fox Parish Center at St. Francis of Assisi Church. Proceeds benefit the St. Vincent DePaul Amazing Grace Food Pantry on Stack Street.
The funds will help the pantry to supplement supplies during times when donations tend to run low, especially summertime, according to organizer Cathie Giuffrida, a St. Vincent de Paul board member and advisory group chair.
“We fill your soup bowl, and you fill our basket. We ask that people give whatever they can.” — Cathie Giuffrida, soup benefit organizer
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“We’re in pretty good shape right now, the fall is when we do really well with everyone back to school and church when our donations tend to go up,” said Giuffrida. “It helps, especially in summertime, since many kids no longer get meals at school.”
The pantry feeds about 1,000 area families, up from about 800 just a few years ago, Giuffrida said.
Over the years, Middletown-area groups have rallied to support Amazing Grace, organizers say.
A big hit every year is the “famous chili” with a little kick made by firefighter James Mastroianni of the South Fire District.
The event will feature nine soups this year, including a corn chowder by Holy Trinity Church parishioners, a stuffed-pepper soup from newcomer Melilli Cafe of Portland, and a lobster bisque from the Blackbird in Middlefield. Chef Jeramiah from the soup kitchen will also add his own five-gallon yet-to-be-decided creation.
This year, two “totally vegetarian” soups are on the menu, something people have requested in the past, Giuffrida said.
Connecticut Rentals will again donate the bowls, soup warmers, spoons and other utensils.
NoRa Cupcake Co. has donated 200 mini cupcakes for dessert, and coffee will be served for the first time, courtesy of Dunkin Donuts, Giuffrida said.
The event typically raises about $10,000, due to “very strong community support.”
A handful of “celebrity” soup servers include Kevin Wilhelm, executive director of Middlesex United Way, and Mayor Dan Drew, local politicians and community volunteers.
There is no set cost for event, only donations.
“We fill your soup bowl, and you fill our basket,” said Giuffrida. “We ask that people give whatever they can.”