They were serving up soup for a good cause Friday in Williamsport.
The fourth annual Soup and a Bowl Fundraiser for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank helps thousands of needy folks in the area.
With so many people out of work during this economic recession, the need is greater than ever said representatives of the food bank.
The soup of the day, so to speak, was a healthy serving of help for an organization that fights hunger.
The soup was piping hot inside the ballroom at the Genetti Suites and Hotel in Williamsport, and dished out to benefit the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.
The annual Soup and a Bowl fundraiser gave folks a chance to support the work the food bank does throughout 13 counties in central Pennsylvania, including soup kitchens, food pantries and shelters.
"Over the last year or so, most of our agencies have seen an increase of 30 to 50 percent of the kind of services that are needed," said Jamie Jones of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.
The food bank certainly relies on the soup fundraiser to meet that increased need. The clam chowders and vegetable stews were donated, as were the food and gifts.
"We travel probably 75 to 80 miles one way to come. We look forward to it every year," said Phyllis Curren of Millerton. She helps run a food pantry in Tioga County and in recent months has seen more people in need than usual. "Sometimes life gives you a little bump in the road, or maybe a big bump. We're here to help them over that and help them provide what they need for their families."
Organizers said the public response has grown too. Last year's event was sold out so this year the food bank chose to have two seatings and nearly sold out again.
Velna Grimes of Williamsport said she was there to help the food bank do its work, knowing someone will appreciate the generosity of others.
"And just blessing somebody else makes me feel good, and brings tears to my eyes, great feeling to be able to do this," said Grimes.
The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank's goal was to raise more than $12,000 through the soup fundraiser.
Organizers expected to reach that goal and surpass it.
The fourth annual Soup and a Bowl Fundraiser for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank helps thousands of needy folks in the area.
With so many people out of work during this economic recession, the need is greater than ever said representatives of the food bank.
The soup of the day, so to speak, was a healthy serving of help for an organization that fights hunger.
The soup was piping hot inside the ballroom at the Genetti Suites and Hotel in Williamsport, and dished out to benefit the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.
The annual Soup and a Bowl fundraiser gave folks a chance to support the work the food bank does throughout 13 counties in central Pennsylvania, including soup kitchens, food pantries and shelters.
"Over the last year or so, most of our agencies have seen an increase of 30 to 50 percent of the kind of services that are needed," said Jamie Jones of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.
The food bank certainly relies on the soup fundraiser to meet that increased need. The clam chowders and vegetable stews were donated, as were the food and gifts.
"We travel probably 75 to 80 miles one way to come. We look forward to it every year," said Phyllis Curren of Millerton. She helps run a food pantry in Tioga County and in recent months has seen more people in need than usual. "Sometimes life gives you a little bump in the road, or maybe a big bump. We're here to help them over that and help them provide what they need for their families."
Organizers said the public response has grown too. Last year's event was sold out so this year the food bank chose to have two seatings and nearly sold out again.
Velna Grimes of Williamsport said she was there to help the food bank do its work, knowing someone will appreciate the generosity of others.
"And just blessing somebody else makes me feel good, and brings tears to my eyes, great feeling to be able to do this," said Grimes.
The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank's goal was to raise more than $12,000 through the soup fundraiser.
Organizers expected to reach that goal and surpass it.
