St. Francis Catholic High School hosted its fourth annual Souper Fun Sunday event at the high school’s gymnasium, 4100 NW 115 Terrace.
Souper Fun Sunday, a community-wide soup tasting competition, showcased local restaurants’ best soups.
The event had about 33 restaurant providers and 37 soups for tasting.
More than 800 people attended the event, said Heather Duiser, the advancement director at St. Francis.
The event proceeds will go toward enhancing technology for the class of 2014. All current freshmen will receive an Apple laptop and have the opportunity to take part in a leasing program that will allow students to purchase the laptop for $1 during their senior year.
A panel of six local community celebrities evaluated the soups. Sen. Steve Oelrich, Devon Chestnut from Cox Communications, HOME Publisher Scott Costello, WCJB-TV 20 anchor Paige Beck, 98.5 KTK-FM morning radio personality Storm Roberts and Nancy Perry, wife of the late Chuck Perry, were the judges. Attendees also had the opportunity to vote for their favorites in “Best Decorative Table” and “People’s Choice.”
Embers Wood Grill, 3545 SW 34th St., won first place for the second year in a row for its crab bisque soup in People’s Choice.
“The event is great,” said Briton Dumas, owner and executive chef of Embers Wood Grill. “Everybody learns a little from each restaurant.”
Napolatano’s Restaurant, 606 NW 75th St., received the second-place award for its Cajun shrimp bisque, and Sabore Restaurant, 13005 SW First Road, won third place for its lychee coconut crab soup.
“I think it really shows the friendly atmosphere we have at St. Francis and what we do for the community,” said Jenny Couch, 17, an event volunteer and St. Francis junior.
“Souper Fun Sunday is a community-building event to showcase the great school and great students we have,”said Cheryl Kennedy, chairwoman of the Souper Fun Sunday Committee and a St. Francis parent.
Kennedy also said one of the biggest improvements this year was making the event green. SunTrust Bank and Emerald Waste Services provided biodegradable bowls, spoons and garbage bags.
