About Us

Get involved in this simple, yet powerful movement of caring.

Mission Statement

Using the energy of the Super Bowl to mobilize youth in a united national effort to care for people in their local communities who are hungry and those in need.

Vision Statement

Transform the time around the Super Bowl into the nation's largest celebration of giving and serving.

We believe:

• The idea for Souper Bowl of Caring is a gift from God
• Young people have the ability to serve and should be given opportunities to lead their communities in helping others
• Every dollar collected through Souper Bowl of Caring should be donated directly to a charity selected by each participating group
• People of all backgrounds and beliefs can work together
• Hunger and poverty have a negative impact on individuals and the communities in which they live, yet there is joy in serving and giving to those in need
• The excitement and energy surrounding the Super Bowl can be used to engage young people in service while producing lasting hope for all people

History

A simple prayer: "Lord, even as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us be mindful of those who are without a bowl of soup to eat" is inspiring a youth-led movement to help hungry and hurting people around the world.

This prayer, delivered by Brad Smith, then a seminary intern serving at Spring Valley Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC, gave birth to an idea. Why not use Super Bowl weekend, a time when people come together for football and fun, to also unify the nation for a higher good: collecting dollars and canned food for the needy? Youth could collect donations at their schools and churches in soup pots, and then send every dollar DIRECTLY to a local charity of THEIR choice.

The senior high youth of Spring Valley Presbyterian liked the idea so much they decided to invite other area churches to join the team. Twenty-two Columbia churches participated that first year, reporting their results so a total could be determined, and then sending all $5,700 they had raised to area non-profits.

That was 1990. Since then, ordinary young people have generated an extraordinary $70 million for soup kitchens, food banks and other charities in communities across the country. In addition, hundreds of thousands of youth have experienced for themselves the joy and satisfaction of giving and serving, inspiring people of all ages to follow their generous example.

Timeline

• 1990
  • First Souper Bowl of Caring - 22 churches collect $5,700 in Columbia, South Carolina
• 1993
  • Churches and schools from 36 states join in first national effort
• 1997
  • Souper Bowl of Caring breaks $1 million and gains 501(c)(3) non-profit status
• 2002
  • Founder, Rev. Dr. Brad Smith becomes first full-time staff member as Executive Director
• 2003
  • Awarded Daily Point of Light Award by Points of Light Foundation
• 2004
  • First NFL Owners support Souper Bowl of Caring: Bob and Janice McNair- Houston Texans
  • First Lady Laura Bush kicks-off Souper Bowl of Caring in Washington, DC
• 2005
  • President George H.W. Bush becomes National Advocate
  • President Jimmy Carter becomes National Advocate
• 2006
  • First official Super Bowl Host Committee Endorsement- Detroit Super Bowl XL
• 2007
  • Inaugural Souper Bowl of Caring Greater Houston Food Drive collects $1.8 million in cash and cans
• 2008
  • National total reaches $10 million in cash and food
  • Community Food Drive initiative expands to Austin and Dallas/Fort Worth
• 2009
  • Founder and Executive Director Rev. Dr. Brad Smith accepts a call to become Senior Pastor at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina
• 2010
  • Former Vice President of Communications Tracy Bender is appointed new President and CEO for Souper Bowl of Caring

History Totals

Frequently Asked Questions

For the most up to date answers, check out our online FAQ page

Annual Report

Download our Annual Report (PDF file - 12 Mb)

Staff

National Staff

Melanie Andreen - Controller

Nancy Atkinson - Communications Coordinator

Tracy Bender - President and CEO

Jamie Clark - Director of Communications, Multimedia/Webmaster

Stewart Rawson - Development Director

Caroline Stephens - Director of Communications, Retention

Kay Stursberg - Office Manager

Field Directors

Cristina Curtis Barbe - North Texas Director

Julie Falcon - Texas Director

Emily Heeg - Florida Director/NYAB Coordinator

Board of Directors

We are always seeking new volunteers and nominations for our Board of Directors. If you're ready to take your commitment to the next level, please review the Board Information Packet to find out more!

Dave Peterson (Chair)
Senior Pastor, Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church
Houston, TX

Gus Dixon (Vice-Chair)
Attorney and Partner, Nelson, Mullins, Riley, & Scarborough, LLP
Columbia, SC

Robert Hill, Jr. (Treasurer)
CEO, South Carolina Bank and Trust
Columbia, SC

June H. Kim (Secretary)
Executive Secretary, World Hunger and SA&D Programs
United Methodist Committee on Relief
General Board of Global Ministries
New York, NY

Ann Cassidy
Teacher, Salesian High School
Richmond, CA

Melissa Daigneault
Youth Representative
Odessa, FL

Brad Edwards
Athletic Director, Newberry College and former NFL Player
Columbia, SC

Chris Goodall
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Continental American Insurance
Columbia, SC

John Meredith
Business Director, Greenberg Traurig LLP
Houston, TX

Ashley Mullican
Youth Representative
Yardley, PA

Wendy Sherman
Educator and Founding Youth Member of SBoC
Columbia, SC

Brad Smith
Founder and Chairman Emeritus
Senior Pastor, Eastminster Presbyterian Church
Columbia, SC

Ron Swinson
Partner, CB Richard Ellis
Columbia, SC

DuBose Tuller
President, SEACO Asphalt Emulsions
Columbia, SC

Velva Woollen
Community Volunteer
Charlotte, NC

National Advocates

President & Mrs. George H.W. Bush - 41st President of the United States

President & Mrs. Jimmy Carter - 39th President of the United States

The Hunt Family - Owners, Kansas City Chiefs

Jim & Meg Irsay - Owners, Indianapolis Colts

Gene & Jerry Jones Family - Owners, Dallas Cowboys

John K. Mara - President & CEO, New York Giants

Janice & Bob McNair - Chairman and CEO, Houston Texans

The Jerry Richardson Family - Owner/Founder, Carolina Panthers

J. Wayne & Delores Barr Weaver - Chairman and CEO, Jacksonville Jaguars