Can one bowl of soup change the world? Amy Kaherl and her organization, Detroit SOUP, sure think so. The organization hosts monthly gatherings at which people pay $5 for a bowl of soup, bread and a salad. They also hear pitches from three or four local entrepreneurs seeking funding to fulfill their dreams. At the end of the evening, everyone in attendance votes for their favorite project, and the idea with the most votes takes home all of the money raised that night.
Detroit SOUP held its first event in February 2010. Over the last 2 1/2 years, more than $18,000 has been handed out to visionaries hoping to make a difference in Detroit. At the last SOUP dinner in September, the winning project—a film called “Detroit Threat Management”—took home $1,132, the largest grant to date.
The next SOUP dinner is Sunday, October 14th, at 47 Candler St. in Highland Park. Go to Detroit SOUP’s Facebook page for more info and other upcoming events.
Looking for a permanent home
SOUP dinners are held at various places, but Kaherl and Detroit SOUP are trying to nail down a permanent home. They’re raising money to renovate the Jam Handy building in New Center and use it for all of their dinners, as well as other community-based events. To read more about their vision for this historic space or to donate to the cause, click here.
Do you or someone you know have ideas you need funding for? Have you attended any of these SOUP events? We’d love to hear from you!
–Scott
