Chicken Soup In the News
The Wise Temple Brotherhood will host the 14th annual Chicken Soup Cook-off on Sunday, Jan. 28, and with it, a new philanthropic event for attendees to participate in. Those who bring cans of soup and other nonperishable food – which will be donated to the Jewish Family Services’ Heldman Family Food Pantry – will receive additional raffle tickets and entry into select door prizes. “The Brotherhood visited the pantry this past year and we thought this was one way we could help support that organization,” explained longtime cook-off co-organizer and Brotherhood member Rick Seelig. “We like to support the community.”This is a new addition to the Brotherhood’s ongoing charity work, not just at the cook-off but within Wise Temple and the community at large. Proceeds from the event help support the Brotherhood’s work with organizations like Lighthouse Youth Services, and each year, any leftover soup immediately gets donated to the soup kitchen in Walnut Hills. Last year, 72 gallons was delivered, making for a year-to-date total of 847 gallons brought to the nonprofit since the Cook-off began in 2003.Twenty-nine soups are competing in such categories as “Best Matzo Ball” and “Most Original.” The amateur category also is still in effect. This year’s judges include Brian Thomas, Chris O’Brien, Polly Campbell, Julie Niesen, Congressman Brad Wenstrup. As always, attendees will get to vote for the People’s Choice Award. Other events include a “soup-er” silent auction on such items as artwork, salon services, and gift cards to various local businesses, a raffle, and giveaways. The afternoon also will see the reunion of popular Wise Temple music group Shir Chadash, who just recently went their separate ways after 13 years of members volunteering their time to play contemporary Jewish music during Shabbat services. But the main event, says Seelig, is “to have fun and enjoy some great soups.”The 14th annual Chicken Soup Cook-off takes place Sunday, Jan. 28, from 12:15-2:15 p.m. at Wise Center. Free shuttle buses will be provided for overflow parking at the nearby JCC.