TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)– For the first time in over two years, the Soup Bowl was back in person– and community members came out in droves to support it.

Catholic Charities collaborates with dozens of local organizations to provide different soups and hand-made bowls to 300 people Saturday, all a part of the annual fundraiser which raises money to fight local food insecurity.

Jessica Murphy, the development manager at Catholic Charities, said she was satisfied seeing the finished project Saturday, after weeks of work to prepare.

“The thing that makes this event really special is how many moving parts there are,” she said. “What the important part is here, is that all of the funds raised are going to go right back to feeding the people in our community, and they really are our neighbors that we see everyday.”

One of the local volunteer groups on hand was the Terre Haute South Key Club. Club Advisor Rebecca Sedgwick said she had about 30 students on hand– and believes the event can help them understand some of the problems in the area and how volunteering can help.

“[The students] soon realize, in the Terre Haute and Vigo County communities, just how great the need is, and how they can help as high school students,” she said.  

The Soup Bowl was sold out this year– selling 300 tickets at $30 a piece. Those in attendance got to choose a bowl– all handmade by local artists– and got to pick from over 20 different soup options. 

Murphy said that just $30 can help provide over 120 meals to those in need around the community.

“I think the really special part of this event is how social it is,” she said. “You get to talk, you get to learn about new people, get to chat with your friends, and you all get to come together as a community for this one purpose of helping to fight food insecurity, it’s just a really, really special event.”

A full list of organizations that helped prepare for today’s event can be found on the Catholic Charities Facebook Page.