'Souport' hot for warming center

St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho’s annual "Souport the End of Homelessness" celebrated generosity while raising awareness and financial support for the organization’s winter warming center.

The afternoon of fellowship and friendly competition at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds will help ensure that people experiencing homelessness have access to safety and compassion during the coldest months of the year.

“Bringing approximately 350 community members together demonstrates what is possible when our community unites around a shared commitment to helping our neighbors,” said Scott Ferguson, CEO of St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho. “As temperatures drop, our winter warming center becomes a critical resource for people experiencing homelessness. We are grateful to everyone who participated, volunteered, sponsored, and contributed to making this event a success.”

Ferguson said community contributions are particularly important because the warming center operates without dedicated government grant funding. It can cost around $100,000 a year to operate the center.

“Homelessness is not an issue any one organization can solve alone,” Ferguson added.

A highlight was the soup competition, which recognized participating chefs and their culinary creations across several categories. Awards included:

Judges' Choice: Professional

1st, Bardenay Restaurant, Steak Chili Soup

2nd, Links Golf Course, Steak Roast Soup

3rd, DJ’s Bubble Waffles, Creamy Dill Pickle Soup

Judges' Choice: Dilettante

1st, CDA Rotary, Caramelized Butternut Squash

2nd, Pioneer Title Company, Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

3rd, North Idaho Sparklers, Spicy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

People's Choice Soup Award Winners

1st, Century 21 Beutler & Associates, Navy Bean Soup

2nd, Acrisure, Creamy Mexican Chicken Poblano

3rd, Elior Colligate Dining — NIC, Apple Celery Root Soup

Judges' Choice: Most Creative

1st, White Cypress Natural Health, Wonton Soup

“When businesses, nonprofits, and individuals come together, we can turn compassion into action. Souport is a wonderful example of our community working together to provide hope, dignity, and practical support to people who need it most," Ferguson said.

    Soup Chef Brian Sacco from Seasons of Coeur d'Alene serves a guest at St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho's "Souport the End of Homelessness" on Thursday.
  

    Soup chef Megan Ryan from Hospice of North Idaho participates in St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho’s annual "Souport the end of Homelessness" on Thursday.