Alzheimer Society Huron Perth’s Soup’s On celebrates 30 years with record-breaking success

Winner, winner, chicken dinner. Gilly's Pubhouse received the People's Choice awards for their jalapeño cheddar popper soup.

The 30th anniversary of Soup’s On, presented by Hyde Construction, was a resounding success bringing together over 2,000 guests at the Stratford Rotary Complex on Saturday, Jan.11.

Hosted by the Alzheimer Society Huron Perth, this beloved community event featured 31 soup vendors, a silent auction and plenty of warm, delicious flavors to kick off January Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.

“The turnout was absolutely overwhelming,” said Erin Dale, manager of fund development and communications at Alzheimer Society Huron Perth. “The community support was amazing, and we couldn’t have anticipated the 30th anniversary would go as well as it did. It was fabulous.”

The event’s success was fueled by unwavering community support with the majority of attendees being enthusiastic returnees who have made Soup’s On a cherished annual tradition.

“This event wouldn’t be what it is without the community,” Dale added.

This year’s event raised an impressive $115,000 – more than double last year’s total – thanks in large part to a generous matching donation from James Hutton. In memory of his parents, Albert and Mona Hutton, James pledged to match donations up to $30,000. The community enthusiastically rose to the challenge, meeting the goal and demonstrating their unwavering support. These funds will go toward vital education, recreational programs and resources for individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in Perth and Huron counties.

From amateur chefs to seasoned professionals, the 31 vendors served up a wide array of soups for attendees to sample and judge. Some standout offerings included cheesy bacon cauliflower, coconut curry, white truffle parsnip, and Italian wedding.

The coveted Stratford Orthodontic People’s Choice Award went to Gilly’s Pubhouse for their creamy and spicy jalapeño cheddar popper soup, marking their first win in this category.

Award winners in other categories included:

• Creamy Amateur: GC Financial - cheesy bacon cauliflower

• Hearty Amateur: Hillside Manor – taco

• Vegetarian Amateur: Anne Hathaway - Thai coconut tomato

• Creamy Professional: Pazzo - white truffle parsnip

• Hearty Professional: The Little Kitchen on York - hearty wonton soup

• Vegetarian Professional: Mercer Kitchen Beer Hall - coconut curry

• Best Decorated Booth: The Little Green Grocery

The event’s silent auction, supported by 142 donors, added to the festive atmosphere while raising significant funds. Cathy Ritsema, executive director of the Alzheimer Society Huron Perth, expressed her gratitude to everyone who made the event possible.

“The success of Soup’s On is a testament to the generosity of our community. It was a grand day, and I am truly grateful to our dedicated volunteers, vendors, donors and sponsors who went above and beyond to make our 30th anniversary a huge success.”

The Alzheimer Society Huron Perth remains committed to creating programs and resources that support individuals and families living with Alzheimer’s. While some may experience challenges, others embrace their diagnosis and live well with the condition, emphasising the importance of community events like Soup’s On.

As Dale put it, “This event is a celebration, not only of great soup but of the connection and support that defines our community.”

With its 30th year setting new records, Soup’s On continues to warm hearts and bowls, proving community support is the key ingredient to its success.