wfn.org | Souper Bowl Program Scores

[George Conklin <gconklin@igc.apc.org>]

27-June-96 
 
 
 
96243              Souper Bowl Program Scores a 
               Touchdown With Presbyterian Youth   
                                  
                         by Julian Shipp 
 
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--Presbyterian youth groups played a major role in this 
year's "Souper Bowl Program," which in one day raised more than $1.3 
million to feed the poor and hungry across America. 
 
     More than 1,100 Presbyterian youths participated in this year's Souper 
Bowl, according to Gary R. Cook, associate for the Presbyterian Hunger 
Program in the Worldwide Ministries Division, and Rodger Nishioka, 
associate for youth ministry in the Congregational Ministries Division. 
 
     "On behalf of the Presbyterian Hunger Program and the Youth Ministries 
Office, we thank our youths for their participation in Souper Bowl 1996," 
Cook said. "Their hard work made a big difference for hungry people in our 
communities." 
 
     Worshipers gave $1 as they left church on Super Bowl Sunday. Young 
people collected the contributions in large soup bowls and donated the 
money to the anti-hunger ministry they felt best serves their community. 
 
     The Souper Bowl was inspired by the Rev. Brad Smith, pastor of Spring 
Valley Presbyterian Church in Columbia, S.C., as he prayed the following 
prayer on Super Bowl Sunday 1989: "Lord, as we enjoy the Super Bowl 
football game, help us remember those who are without even a bowl of soup 
to eat." 
 
     The Spring Valley youth group took the Souper Bowl concept and ran 
with it, raising $5,700 among 22 Columbia, S.C., churches in 1990. This 
year's $1.3 million was raised by more than 4,600 churches and other groups 
representing three Christian denominations, as well as synagogues, schools 
and businesses. 
 
     Every state in the union was represented with the exception of Hawaii. 
Several congregations in Canada also participated. Super Bowl XXX host 
state Arizona, led by the Arizona Ecumenical Council, raised $600,000. Ten 
states scored 100 or more participating churches and $10,000 or more was 
raised in 20 states. 
 
     "It is so exciting to see people love God and love their neighbors in 
this simple way," Smith said, commenting on the Souper Bowl effort and 
participant enthusiasm. "We are grateful for every single person who joined 
this partnership of caring and we can't wait until January 26, 1997." 
 
     Participants who have not yet reported their totals should call 
1-800-358-SOUP. Persons interested in joining the partnership next year are 
encouraged to call as well. 

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For more information contact Presbyterian News Service
  phone 502-569-5504             fax 502-569-8073  
  E-mail PCUSA.NEWS@pcusa.org   Web page: http://www.pcusa.org 

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