Salvation Army Souper Bowl 2012 - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

Salvation Army Souper Bowl 2012

In addition to the big game there was another Super Bowl, in Jackson. This one was sponsored by the Salvation Army. Instead of footballs, guests at this big event used spoons. And with each spoon, lives are being changed throughout the state.

Bowls are filled with 27 varieties of soup from restaurants in the Jackson metro area.

"If you can get just a little taste of each, you'll go away from here full, but we want people to remember this is to help us feed the hungry in this community", said Captain Ken Chapman of the Salvation Army.

"We brought 6 or 7 gallons and we're down to probably about a gallon left", said Tony Hancock, owner of Mississippi Legends.

"I have loaded potato soup. It is from O'Charley's in Pearl", Lisa Rich said.

"Mushroom artichoke from Primos. I'm actually one of the McAlister's Deli volunteers serving up the soup", said Roger Cockerill.

For 15 years the Salvation Army and supporters have come together on Super Bowl Sunday to raise money for programs throughout the year and around the state.

"These events are the thing that keep us going. When there is a tornado we're able to jump in the canteen and be the first on the scene. When there is a crisis we're able to be there. When there's a personal crisis with a family, we're able to be there", said Captain Chapman.

Advisory Board members say this is a great way to kick off Super Bowl Sunday.

"It feeds so many people plus it just also reinforces what the Salvation Army is doing, trying to break the cycle of poverty in Jackson", Scott Steele said.

"The Salvation Army does the most good and the money raised here goes to the new Corp Community Center that we're having here today, having the event and I wish more people were out here. It's a huge crowd. Next year its even going to be bigger", said Johnny Maloney.

"This is a marquee event because this allows the community to come and have a good time on Super Bowl Sunday, but most importantly to make a real impact in our community helping the people who really need it the most", Brad McMullen said.

"The thing that always impresses me about the Salvation Army is its a helping hand up, not a hand out", said Steve DeSalvo.

This event always scores with supporters who told us about some of their favorites.

"Mine by far was the cheesy chicken tortilla. I had about 5 helpings", said Sydnee Wells.

"I liked the gumbo but it was still spicy and it had some shrimp in there", Gracee Wells said.

"My favorite was the gumbo too", said Sophie Carr.

The winners for this Souper Bowl are those who depend on the Salvation Army.

Captain Chapman says the Salvation Army feeds more then 40 thousand people in Jackson each year.

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