Souper Bowl of Caring

The Souper Bowl of Caring utilizes Super Bowl weekend to mobilize youth to fight hunger and poverty in their local communities.Its vision is to transform Super Bowl weekend ( the first Saturday and Sundays of every February) into the nation's largest youth-led weekend of giving and serving. Youth collect monetary and food donation during the week leading up to Super Bowl Sunday. Youth collect in churches,schools, and businesses. 100% of the money and food is then given directly to local charities.----

History

The Souper Bowl of Caring began in 1990 with a simple prayer said by Reverend Brad Smith of Spring Valley Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC: "Lord, even as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us be mindful of those who are without a bowl of soup to eat".

That year was 1990, in which 22 churches raised $5,700. Since then, the Souper Bowl of Caring has raised more than $50 million.

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Steps

1.Plan and promote your event

2.Hold your collection.

3.Report your total.

4.Donate your collection.

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Service Blitz

On each Saturday, the day before the big game, Service Blitzes are held in many communities. A Service Blitz is a day of service in which youth from the area come together to volunteer at a local charity. This Service Blitz gives the participants exposure to the cause they are fighting against: poverty,hunger, homelessness, and injuctice. Some communities sponsor local events to raise awareness, others get their youth group or club involved with a soup kitchen to get a hands-on experience.

National Youth Advisory Board

Although the Souper Bowl of Caring is led by adults, the basis of the organization is its association with the youth. Therefore in 2007, a National Youth Advisory Board or NYAB was created to bring youth ambassadors of the Souper Bowl to local communities around America. The board is comprised of 15-20 high school students from around the country who serve as youth spokespeople to the media, lead and advise their respective communities, assist the Souper Bowl of Caring by providing ideas and suggestions and represent the Souper Bowl in a positive manner. Additionally, the youth attend two meetings to prepare for the upcoming event.

National Advocates

The Souper Bowl of Caring is supported and endorsed by 10 NFL owners as well as two US Presidents:

President and Mrs. George H.W BushFact|date=August 2008

President and Mrs. Jimmy CarterFact|date=August 2008

Mr. and Mrs William Bidwill-Arizona CardinalsFact|date=August 2008

H.Wayne Huizenga and family-Miami DolphinsFact|date=August 2008

Jim and Meg Irsay-Indianapolis ColtsFact|date=August 2008

Woody Johnson, Chairman and CEO, New York Jets

Gene and Jerry Jones Family, Owners, Dallas Cowboys

John K. Mara, President and CEO, New York Giants

Janice and Bob McNair-Houston TexansFact|date=August 2008

The Jerry Richardson Family-Carolina PanthersFact|date=August 2008

J.Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver-Jacksonville JaguarsFact|date=August 2008

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Sources

www.souperbowl.org