Get the Scoop on the Soup: NIC participates in “Souport the End of Homelessness”

Hundreds in the community gathered together last Thursday to “Souport the End of Homelessness” at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.

This annual fundraiser for St. Vincent de Paul raises money for the Warming Center, emergency shelter, housing and support for those in the community experiencing homelessness or a crisis.

“When businesses, nonprofits, and individuals come together, we can turn compassion into action,” CEO of St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho Scott Ferguson said. “‘Souport’ is a wonderful example of our community working together to provide hope dignity, and practical support to people who need it most.”

NIC participated on multiple fronts. The Career and Technical Education program (CTE) and Elior Collegiate Dining both entered soups into the competition and President of NIC Nick Swayne could be seen distributing tokens.

Assistant Professor of Paralegal studies at NIC Brittany Pica-Dorscher said it was a group effort within their division. The culinary arts department made Butternut Squash Miso Soup, the graphic design program made flyers, the paralegal and cybersecurity programs contributed by manning the soup booth and CTE Senior Administrative Assistant Tawnya Bennett put everything together.

“We enjoyed each and every moment of it. We loved talking to people, telling them about Emery’s and how the soup was made by the culinary arts students, ” Assistant Professor of Cybersecurity Vinayak Ranshevare said. “I’m looking forward to participating in more events like this in the future.”

Tickets for admission were $25 which allowed a person to go in and sample any of the 40 unique soups available. Each soup was a special creation made by different local chefs, businesses or organizations. Tokens resembling poker chips were used by attendees to vote for their favorite soups by placing them in jars.

The awards presented:

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 Collegiate Dining — NIC, Apple Celery Root Soup

Judges’ Choice: Most Creative

White Cypress Natural Health, Wonton Duck Soup