Our 2022 Bowls of Hope Soup Cook-Off was a super success! Congratulations to Sal’s Cafe in Somers Point for winning the “People’s Choice Golden Spoon Award” with their New England Clam Chowder. Some 400 people filled our gym to taste these and other delicious signature soups from area restaurants and then voted for their favorite soup. Congratulations also to La Tia Peruvian Cuisine in Linwood for winning the “Chef’s Super Soup Award” with their Peruvian Chicken Soup.
Professional chefs David Goldstein and Peter Guzzo served as our judges this year to select the recipient of the “Chef’s Super Soup Award.” Pictured with the chefs are, from left, Amaya Perez and co-owner Maria Uceda of La Tia Peruvian Cuisine. Coming in tied for 2nd place for the Chef’s Award were Gregory’s Restaurant and Bar in Somers Point, with a Shrimp and Crab Bisque, and the Atlantic City Rescue Mission Kitchen, with a Broccoli and Cheddar Soup. Congratulations to 2011 ACS alumnus Dara Heston, who headed up the Mission’s culinary team.
For the Golden Spoon Award, pictured at top in the center are David Rossi and owner Blair Pira of Sal’s Cafe, with (from left) Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen, Upper School Principal Meg McHale, and Event Coordinator Christian Delacruz. Gregory’s Restaurant and Bar in Somers Point placed 2nd, and Stir It Up Catering in Northfield placed 3rd with their Chicken Pot Pie Soup.
All funds raised from this community-building event, now in its 9th year, are benefiting the Atlantic City Rescue Mission and Atlantic Christian School.
Thank you to everyone who bought a ticket, donated to be an Event Sponsor, or brought cans of soup and other non-perishable items for the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Southern Branch. The Bowls of Hope showcased eleven restaurants in and around Atlantic County serving up their specialty soups. Our high school students were among over 50 student and staff volunteers who helped serve the soups and worked behind the scenes in the kitchen, with set up and clean up, selling tickets, and more.
Thank you also to our generous sponsors who helped make this benefit fundraiser a success — American Church Group of New Jersey; B.F. Mazzeo Fruit and Produce; Chick-fil-A Fire Road; Elder Pest Control; Formica Bros. Bakery; Fortress Financial; HS Restoration and Cleaning Service; Klingert Family Chiropractic Center; Olympic Physical Therapy; and Texas Roadhouse, Egg Harbor Township.
We are also grateful to Chester’s Bakery and a number of parents who donated desserts, and to Greate Bay Country Club for providing high top tables for our guests. Thank you also to Chef Joe Massaglia of the “Joe’s Table for Two” WOND Radio program, to Rick Brancadora of Wibbage Radio, and Press of Atlantic City editor Scott Cronick for helping promote the event, and to photographer and ACS grandparent Gail Crafton of AC Photo for donating her services.
