Get ready to shift into soup mode.
Starting at noon Saturday, Odessa residents can order soup at no cost from six participating locations as part of the inaugural Soup for Seniors fundraiser event. Donations are encouraged, and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to Meals on Wheels of Odessa.
The participating locations are Johnny’s Barbecue, 2201 Kermit Highway; Mi Cocinita Food Trailer, which will be located next to Johnny’s Barbecue; Tio Gordo’s Texican Café, 960 E. 87th St.; Copper Kettle Café, 2720 N. Grandview Ave.; Pat’s Place, 7405 Andrews Highway; and The Legendary Barn Door Steakhouse, 2140 Andrews Highway.
Soup for Seniors donations will also count as matching contributions toward the $50,000 John Herriage of Copper Key Realty pledged to the nonprofit in the hopes of raising $100,000 by the end of the year.
“This is a great way to showcase local food while 100 percent of the money being raised stays right here in Odessa,” Meals on Wheels of Odessa Executive Director Craig Stoker said. “You’re supporting local, and your money stays local.”
Spearheaded by Johnny’s Barbecue owner Tracey Wood and her husband, Matt Wood, each restaurant will make its recipe. A tip jar will be available for monetary donations, and those who prefer to do things electronically will be able to do so with a QR code.
Soup will be served until each location runs out, and the restaurant that raises the most funds will receive a custom-ordered trophy. Donations from as little as a few cents to large bills will be accepted.
“It’s just fun and it’s doing something wonderful for the community,” Tracey Wood said. “If you want to donate 25 cents or $100, anything and everything helps.”
Wood added she hopes the event is a success and will allow more restaurants to participate in the future. Stoker said it was encouraging to see the community coming together to find new ways to support local nonprofits.
“You’ve got this great list of local restaurants that are community favorites,” Stoker said. “People know these places, they visit these places and it’s a win-win for all of us.”
If you go
- What: Inaugural Soup for Seniors fundraiser.
- When: Noon, Saturday.
- Where: Johnny’s Barbecue, 2201 Kermit Highway; Mi Cocinita Food Trailer, will be located next to Johnny’s Barbecue; Tio Gordo’s Texican Café, 960 E. 87th St.; Copper Kettle Café, 2720 N. Grandview Ave.; Pat’s Place, 7405 Andrews Highway; The Legendary Barn Door Steakhouse, 2140 Andrews Highway.
- Cost: Soup will be free at participating restaurants and donations are encouraged. All funds raised will go to support Meals on Wheels of Odessa.
- Call: 432-559-9111.
