Soup’s On: Alzheimer Society Fundraiser Draws 630 Attendees

The fourth annual Alzheimer Society Grey-Bruce SOUP’S ON fundraiser took place on a chilly Saturday afternoon, attracting over 630 attendees to the Bayshore venue. The event showcased a variety of culinary talents, with ten local soup vendors serving 18 different varieties of soup, all aimed at supporting families affected by dementia.

This year’s People’s Choice Award went to Bishop’s Landing, Inn on the Bay from Owen Sound for their unique maple butternut squash soup, which was garnished with a drizzle of olive oil. James Bachiu, the head chef, explained that the inspiration for the dish came from one of his sous chefs. “It came a little bit out of left field, but we wanted to stay local and do something a little rustic, a little with the season,” he noted. The soup also won the celebrity judges’ award for best vegetarian soup, surprising Bachiu, who remarked, “People love bacon.”

The judging panel also recognized Sweetwater Restaurant from Cobble Beach for their creamy mushroom bisque, while a first-time tie occurred for the best hearty soup. Walker Catering Co and Papi’s Eatery shared this honor with a Caribbean pork and rice stew and a sausage tomato soup, respectively. All participating soup vendors generously donated their contributions, with the event supported by over 50 volunteers.

Funds raised during the event are earmarked for the approximately 1,100 families in the Grey-Bruce area living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Ruth Marthell, community development associate with the Alzheimer Society, expressed hopes of raising $40,000 this year, up from $35,000 in 2023. For a ticket price of $25, guests were able to sample six four-ounce cups of soup of their choice and cast their votes for the People’s Choice Award.

Marthell praised the dedication of the volunteers and local restaurants, stating, “All of our restaurants put on a show today.” Despite the snowy conditions, she noted that most volunteers were present and enthusiastic about contributing to the cause.

The silent auction that accompanied the fundraiser opened online at 16:00 on January 26, 2024, featuring over 130 items donated by local businesses and organizations. Items can be viewed on the Alzheimer Society’s website, and local sponsors, including Canadian Tire, supported the event with table sponsorships. 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 event, though they anticipated taking about five litres home due to the steady influx of tasters. At the Harrison Park Inn Restaurant’s table, owner David Porter and soup-maker Andrew Doherty delighted attendees with their offerings of mushroom soup and a cabbage roll soup. Porter explained that his inspiration for the cabbage roll soup stemmed from a large cabbage his mother purchased at the farmers’ market, leading to its popular inclusion on the restaurant’s menu.

Other participating vendors included the European Bakery Cafe (Owen Sound), Heat n’ Eat Meal Co. (Shallow Lake), Jake’s Grab & Go (Meaford), Laszlo’s (Sauble Beach), and SoupHer Girl (Paisley).

The success of the SOUP’S ON fundraiser highlights not only the community’s support for the Alzheimer Society but also the culinary creativity present in the region.