Cold weather, amazing soup, and a good cause—the perfect recipe for two successful events.

The Berry College SOUP (Sponsorship of Orphans in Uganda Project) recently hosted its annual SOUP-Off. Thirty-three clubs, organizations and individuals entered a soup and the event raised $2,418. The Rome SOUP-Off, organized by Rome High sophomore Becky Matthews, raised $863.

Junior Sydney Hulebak is director of operations of the Berry SOUP charter.

“I couldn't be more pleased with the participation in the SOUP-Off this year,” said Hulebak, “not only at Berry College, but also with the outpouring of support from the Rome community. It is truly a wonderful thing when the vision of an organization that is doing great things, like the SOUP, spreads and finds investment in new places. I am so excited to see how the SOUP grows over the next few years."

Money raised during the competition will go to the SOUP — an organization founded by Berry graduate Brin Enterkin in 2009 to provide basic necessities, education and healthcare for orphaned children in the impoverished African nation of Uganda. Enterkin gave a short talk during the event. She shared her experience during her last visit to Isiti, Uganda, and her vision for a healthier, brighter future for the children of the village.

“I’ve been to the event the past three years, but this time I got to participate by creating a soup. Not only did I get great feedback on my soup, but I was able to support the organization in such a unique way. It was really positive experience!” said Alyssa Smith, a Berry junior.

Berry’s SOUP-Off included first and second place prizes for the best soups, voted on by attendees. The first place prize was a Gumbo from the Berry Enterprises Student Team. The second place was a Fiesta Lime soup from Dean of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences Tom Kennedy and his wife, Melodie.

"The Berry Enterprises Student Team, led by Mary Chambers, is honored to contribute to this important, yet fun event benefiting orphans in Uganda,” said Dean of Student Work Rufus Massey. “We are grateful to the very first Berry student enterprise employee, Brin Enterkin, for her vision and passion as founder of the SOUP!"

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