The weather on Friday Jan. 30 was cold, gray, wet and in no uncertain terms, a perfect backdrop for the ninth annual Soups Of the World event at the County Annex building.
For a $10 ticket, attendees had the choice of warming up with bowls of German Chicken Dumpling, Potato Leek Artichoke, Korean Tofu Vegetarian Beef, Italian Tortellini, and Turkey Tortilla Soups.
Cookies, brownies, cakes and pies baked by volunteers were also up for auction, as well as items donated by local businesses and artists. Clay soup bowls sculpted, glazed and fired by shelter guests and Americorp staff volunteers were also available for purchase.
The event, which serves as a fundraiser for the Bridge Emergency Shelter in Cortez, was started years ago by Cortez resident and Grace's Kitchen cook Jerry Hart.
Until this year, the event was held at Grace's Kitchen, but it outgrew its venue and sought more space in the County Annex building on Chestnut.
"We're so grateful to Grace's Kitchen to helping us get it off the ground," said MB McAfee, Bridge Shelter board of directors chair. McAfee has been involved with Soups of the World since its inception. She said the annual culinary event is not only important to the organization's budget every year, it's important publicity for the shelter and all it does for the community.
"It's a fairly significant fundraiser for us. Every year, the level raised varies, but it's usually around $5,000. It does, however, take a lot more work to put on than writing a grant or getting a check in the mail," she said with a laugh. "The event gives everyone in the community the opportunity to support the shelter."
The Bridge Emergency Shelter provides seasonal emergency housing for the homeless population in Montezuma County. The organization's mission is to promote independence and self-sufficiency by way of informal case management, job training and employment opportunities.
The Bridge Shelter, at 601 N. Mildred Road in Cortez, is always looking for volunteers and food donations. For more information on what donations the Bridge wants, call 970-565-9808.