wfn.org | Presbyterians Are Super in Souper Bowl

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12-June-1998 
98201 
 
    Presbyterians Are Super in Souper Bowl 
 
    by Julian Shipp 
 
COLUMBIA, S.C.-Statistics from the 1998 Souper Bowl of Caring reveal the 
participation of a record 8,600 congregations across the country with a 
best-ever showing of more than 2,000 Presbyterian churches. According to 
Souper Bowl officials, a total of more than $1.7 million in dollars and 
nonperishables was collected nationally, up from $1.1 million last year. 
 
    "We are excited to see so many Presbyterian churches joining the Souper 
Bowl team, and we are grateful to God for this simple but significant way 
to care for [our nation's hungry and impoverished]," said the Rev. Brad 
Smith, founder of the effort. 
 
    Participants represented all 50 states and Canada as well as scores of 
different Christian denominations and other groups. Remarkably, the 1998 
total tops the 1997 total of 5,400 congregations by more than 3,000 
churches and $600,000. 
 
    The Souper Bowl has now generated an aggregate of $4.5 million for 
hurting and hungry people since the youth of Spring Valley Presbyterian 
Church launched the effort with 22 Columbia, S.C., churches in 1990. 
Presbyterian participation has climbed steadily each year, with the 
Presbyterian Hunger Program and Presbyterian Youth Connection both 
supporting this year's effort. 
 
    The Souper Bowl's simple game plan - youth asking parishioners to give 
one dollar as they leave service the morning of the big game and then 
sending donations directly to a local charity - has fueled explosive 
growth. This year's growth in donations is more than the total amount 
raised as recently as 1995. 
 
    Churches that participated but have not reported should call 
1-800-358-SOUP. Souper Bowl '99 will take place on January 31. Churches are 
encouraged to mark the date and participate. Further information on the 
Souper Bowl can be found on the World Wide Web at www.souperbowl.com 

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