Soup Lovers Unite at Alzheimer Society’s Fundraiser in Owen Sound

On a chilly Saturday afternoon, the fourth annual Alzheimer Society Grey-Bruce SOUP’S ON fundraiser brought together over 630 attendees in Owen Sound, Ontario. This popular event featured a remarkable selection of piping hot soups from ten local vendors, serving a total of 18 different varieties to warm the hearts of participants.

Among the highlights, Bishop’s Landing, Inn on the Bay won the coveted People’s Choice Award for their maple butternut squash soup, elegantly finished with a drizzle of olive oil. Head chef James Bachiu credited the inspiration for the soup to one of his sous chefs, emphasizing a commitment to local ingredients and seasonal flavors. “It came a little bit out of left field, but we wanted to stay local and do something a little rustic,” Bachiu stated.

The event also recognized Sweetwater Restaurant for their creamy mushroom bisque, which earned the judges’ award for best creamy soup. In a unique turn of events, the award for best hearty soup ended in a tie between Walker Catering Co. and Papi’s Eatery, who showcased a Caribbean pork and rice stew and a sausage tomato soup, respectively.

All participating vendors generously donated their offerings, contributing to a cause that aims to support the approximately 1,100 families in the area living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. According to Ruth Marthell, community development associate with the Alzheimer Society, this year’s fundraising goal is set at $40,000, an increase from last year’s total of $35,000.

Participants paid $25 to sample six four-ounce cups of soup, each accompanied by a ballot for the People’s Choice Award. Marthell expressed gratitude for the dedication of volunteers, many of whom braved the cold weather to ensure the event’s success. “Most everybody is here…our dedicated team of volunteers give it their heart and soul,” she noted.

The silent auction, which opened online on January 26, 2024, featured over 130 items donated by local businesses and organizations, with the bidding set to close at 16:00. Notable sponsors included Canadian Tire, who played a leading role in supporting the event. Additionally, handmade tasting bowls crafted by local potters were available for purchase at $20 each.

Bachiu mentioned that his team prepared 60 litres of soup for the occasion, with only about five litres remaining after the event. Over at the Harrison Park Inn Restaurant booth, owner David Porter offered a mushroom soup and a cabbage roll soup, the latter inspired by a large cabbage purchased from a local farmers’ market.

Other vendors included the European Bakery Cafe, Heat n’ Eat Meal Co., Jake’s Grab & Go, Laszlo’s, and SoupHer Girl. This gathering not only showcased culinary talent but also united the community in support of a vital cause, highlighting the resilience and compassion of those affected by dementia.

For more information about the Alzheimer Society and future events, interested parties are encouraged to visit their official website.