"The Cancer Support Center reaches out to people in the community and in surrounding communities, not only to meet the needs of those struggling with this disease and their family and friends, but to educate young people about healthy habits they can establish that could help prevent the disease in the first place," explained Liz Huggins, president of Maine Women in Biz, the organization sponsoring the Souper Bowl.

For months, volunteers have been organizing the fundraiser, and the last few weeks they've been feverishly collecting the one-of-a-kind dishes made by Maine potters that will be used at the event. Artists from Columbia Falls to Yarmouth, Litchfield and Bethel all generously donated their work for the cause. 

"The bulk of the bowls are provided by one of our own, Asha Fenn of the Pottery, Writing & Art Studio in Stockton Springs," said Marie Arnberg, Souper Bowl volunteer. "We have clam, fish and corn chowders, chicken noodle along with a number of vegetable soups, including vegan and gluten free varieties [that'll be served]."

Besides supporting a good cause, all the bowls used at the event are keepsakes that participants will be able to take home with them and use long after the fundraiser is over.
Organizers are hoping to feed 200 people at this year's Souper Bowl, which is scheduled from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at St. Vincent de Paul's church on Friday, March 8. Tickets are available at BookStacks or the Packrat on Main Street in Bucksport, or by calling 469-6363.

"Our hope is to pre-sell all the bowls and tickets before the event so we can fill the orders and have the bowls picked up on that night," said Huggins.

For more information, log on to www.cancersupportcenterofmaine.org.