Soup’s Up at the CCA
Soups Up at the CCA
Connecting Communities in Action’s Annual Soup Bowl Fundraiser is March 19th
Photos / CCA
It is that time of year again! Time for the snow to melt, time for the flower buds to pop, and time to warm our bellies with a bowl full of homemade soup for charity! Need more reason to celebrate? The annual Soup Bowl Fundraiser benefiting Connecting Communities in Action is accepting pre-orders now for the event which will be held on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 from 10:00am-2:00pm.
ellicottvilleNOW caught up with Jacob Fellows, the newly appointed Director of Nutrition Services at CCA for an update on what to expect for the fifth iteration of the event, which comes on the heels of last year’s Pot O’ Gold soup fundraiser.
“This year, we’ve simplified the event, making it a little bit easier,” said Fellows by way of a phone interview. “We have new pricing, so that is a good thing; we’ve lowered the cost in order to try to attract more people,” he said, adding, “If you order three 24-ounce soups, you get a free 12-ounce soup; if you order a $25 combo, you receive a free 12-ounce soup.”
As for this year’s pricing, a 12-ounce soup will run you $5. Simultaneously, a 24-ounce soup is double that at $10. To clarify, one combo of three 24-ounce soups is priced at $25 and includes a free 12-ounce soup. Fellows explained that there is also a combo for the 12-ounce soups. “You also get three 12-ounce soups for $12.”
After last year’s successful event, this year’s Soup Bowl Fundraiser is poised to draw attention. When asked what the fundraiser hopes to achieve, Fellows explained that the proceeds will go towards furthering the initiatives of the CCA. “We hope to earn enough money that we can use the donations to further education and outreach concerning food insecurity and overall nutrition in Cattaraugus County.”
Participating restaurants this year include two from Ellicottville (Ellicottville Brewing Company and West Rose), as well as Fredonia’s own Duper’s, and Lucia’s on the Lake out of Hamburg. Fellows continued that three CCA employees will be throwing their hat in for soup making this year, as well as the CCA’s own CEO, Andrew Studley. Chef John Haley, the head cook for the Salamanca Central School District, will be participating again this year.
With regards to what is in store for the CCA going forward, Fellows said there are new developments on the horizon, but the details are still being figured out. “We do have a few developments coming up; you will just have to stay tuned as we are still trying to flesh out the details,” he said. “We do have three new exciting programs coming out towards the end of the year, but I cannot speak on them at this point because we are still building those programs,” noting that nutrition is transitioning back to its own department. “It is starting to grow,” he said.
As for final comments on the event, Fellows wanted to thank everyone in advance for participating in this year’s Soup Bowl Fundraiser. “Thanks for the support from anyone who decides to come down and help us out,” said Fellows. “It is greatly appreciated, and that money will be used for education and outreach concerning food insecurity in Catt County.”
For those interested in participating in and enjoying delicious soups provided as part of the CCA’s Annual Soup Bowl Fundraiser, the event will take place on Wednesday, March 19th from 10:00am-2:00pm at the CCA’s Main Office at 25 Jefferson Street, first floor, in Salamanca. Pre-orders are available now through Friday, March 14th.
To place your soup order, visit the CCA’s Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/955815549836267 and scan the QR code, or simply fill out the order form and email it back to info@ccaction.org. Pre-orders can be picked up at CCA’s Main Office at 25 Jefferson Street, and day-of purchases can be made at the location while supplies last. (Note: there may be limited availability).
Connecting Communities in Action, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit organization committed to enhancing communities by building resilience through achieving economic, physical, and emotional security, according to its website. Founded in New York in 1965, CCA is part of the New York State network and the national network of affiliate CCA agencies. CCA is open to any resident in Cattaraugus County, regardless of income status. For additional event information, check out the CCA’s Facebook event page listed above or call 716-945-1041. For additional information on CCA, visit www.ccaction.org.