16th Annual ‘Souper Sunday’ Supports Habitat for Humanity in Northeast Arkansas

Jonesboro, Ark. — Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Arkansas hosted its 16th annual “Souper Sunday” over the weekend at the Red Wolf Convention Center inside Embassy Suites. The popular fundraiser brought together local restaurants and community members to support the construction of homes for families in need.

Attendees sampled 15 different soups and cast their votes for a fan favorite. The winning restaurant received the event’s signature recognition, the Ladle Award. According to Shania Montgomery, a board member for Habitat for Humanity, proceeds from the event could fund the construction of a new home in Paragould, pending the approval of a family's application. The home would be financed through the nonprofit’s 30-year, interest-free loan program.

Montgomery emphasized that the organization’s work, which extends across Northeast Arkansas, has a transformative impact on families beyond just providing shelter. "It is such an important thing because it actually has shown that people that have homeownership actually have better employability, they have better financial management skills, as well as they also improve their educations along the way," Montgomery said.

This year, the event also featured a silent auction and a kids' zone sponsored by Hijinx, adding new dimensions to the fundraiser’s community appeal. Montgomery described “Souper Sunday” as a unique local tradition, combining comfort food with an opportunity for attendees to directly engage with the cause. “Where do you go and you just get a tray, and you just get some comfort food?” she said. “You just get to sit down, and then you get to give your opinion. I mean, most of the time you come to these things...you just go, and you have a good time, and you leave. But we’re asking you to actually tell us what you think.”

Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Arkansas continues to expand its outreach and mission of building affordable homes. The organization’s efforts aim to strengthen families and communities through the stability and opportunities that come with homeownership.