This winter, the Moorestown High School Interact Club is making it possible to warm up your body and your soul by providing soup and a way to give back to the community.
The MHS Interact Club will host its 14th Annual “Soup for the Soul” charity event on Saturday, Feb. 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 101 Bridgeboro Road. Those who attend are granted access to a buffet-style meal with all-you-can-eat soup and bread for a small fee. All proceeds are donated to Philabundance, which is dedicated to ending hunger in the Delaware Valley.
“Each one of us feels the need to give back to the community. This is a great way for anyone close to the event to get involved. The community can serve by helping out and having some soup,” Ali Simeone, co-chair of the advertising committee, said.
“It is reassuring to know that the money stays local and that we’re helping out people around our area,” John Fallows, co-chair of the advertising committee, said.
The MHS Interact Club is a student-run organization dedicated to serving the community. It hosts four main events throughout the year, with “Soup for the Soul” being one of its biggest.
Students have been working hard these past few months, getting local restaurants to donate the soup and bread that will be served throughout the afternoon. The event also features raffle and silent auction items donated by local businesses and organizations.
All proceeds will be donated to Philabundance, a charity created in 1984 with the simple belief that no man, woman or child should go hungry. It seeks to drive hunger from the Delaware Valley today and end hunger forever. According to its website, 750,000 people are facing hunger in the Delaware Valley.
“(We do this event) to help out hunger in the area. All of the money stays close. (Those who attend) could be helping people they might know. They are making a difference in helping end hunger,” Simeone said.
Last year, the Interact Club raised more than $4,000, and at 50 cents a meal, this provided more than 8,000 meals for the hungry and malnourished throughout the Delaware Valley.
This year, the club would like to reach its 2016 donation goal of $5,000.
“The goal is to keep the event growing. Each year we try to raise a little more than last year,” Fallows said.
Students of the Interact Club hope those who attend feel good they gave back to their community, but also have a delicious meal and tell their friends about the event for next year.
“It makes you feel really good, the thought that the money is going back to the community,” Fallows said.
“(We hope they) tell their friends and come again next year and spread the word,” Simeone said.
Tickets will be sold at the door and cost $10 for adults and $7 for seniors and children. Additionally, with a $10 takeout option, you will receive a container of your favorite soup, as well as two pieces of bread.
MHS Interact Club is sponsored by Rotary International.
