Folks in Florida are getting the gridiron ready for the biggest football game of the year. In just a couple of weeks millions of Americans will eat chips, dip and other great tailgate food to watch - - the Super Bowl. But you don't have to wait for the "Souper Bowl of Caring." They're already busy, working to fight hunger and poverty. Saturday afternoon kids hit their own gridiron at Spring Valley Presbyterian Church for a good cause. But this game goes deeper than just passing pig skin. They're playing and praying to raise awareness about hunger.
Director Brad Smith prays aloud saying, "Lord even as we enjoy the super bowl football game, help us be mindful of those without a bowl of soup to eat. That's where it began."
A beginning church member Sally Rausch used to be unsure, saying, "How is this really making that big of a difference? I'm putting $1, only one dollar into the collection."
Now, she knows the power of one. 140 million people are expected to watch the Cardinals and Steelers during the Super Bowl. If those viewers gave just $1 dollar, that's $140 million to help feed the hungry.
"When everyone puts that small, little supposedly, insignificant thing in, it makes such a huge difference," said Rausch.
A small thing that started here in the Midlands, and is now a nationwide mission. In 20-years, the Souper Bowl of Caring has raised $50 million.
"I was on the national board this year and it's really open my eyes to the hunger in America and what we need to do to help it," said participant Michael Hobensack.
Football and fun, equals a great way to celebrate $50 million in 20 years.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWACH