Westchester Migratory Bird Sanctuary Soup Social

I love community fundraisers and social events - especially food-related ones. When I see there's a local pancake breakfast happening to benefit a fire department or Cub Scouts or a school choir, I'm there (even though I really don't eat pancakes). I love the feeling of community, the common goal of helping a worthy cause, the friendly demeanors of the attendees. 

When my friend, Janet, recently invited me to stop by a soup social for a non-profit group she's involved with, I was happy to oblige - especially when I learned it would be focused on soup. About two dozen different entries were included from local cooks. For one ticket price you could try all you wanted, along with breadsticks and desserts.

I tried so many that it was hard to keep track. And I can't recall which one was the winner, but one of my favorites was a St. Patrick's Day Soup, a sausage and corned beef soup that had my Irish eyes smiling. What a fantastic idea for a fundraiser. It involves cooks who are eager to share their recipes and compete and links them with tasters who are happy to fork over a few bucks for some tastings - and in bringing them together, funds are raised for this lovely place in Chesterton, Indiana.