By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The Soup ‘R Bowl is this Sunday, Jan. 25.

No, it’s not that big football game — this is the Humane Society of the High Plains annual fundraiser.

The 18th annual event is from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday in the Unrein Building at the Ellis County Fairgrounds.

About a dozen local celebrity chefs will be stirring up their best soups, vying for the coveted Golden Ladle trophy. The winner is considered the “crowd favorite,” receiving the most ticket votes by attendees. Admission is five dollars which allows for a sample of each soup. All the proceeds go to medical expenses for the animals, according to shelter manager Betty Hansen.

“All the proceeds go to medical expenses for the animals (in the Virginia Miller Animal Shelter)–spays and neuters, as many of those as we can do. Those proceeds all go directly to animal care — it’s not for any other functions or salaries. People always ask and we assure them, the Soup ‘R Bowl proceeds go directly to the animals,” Hansen explained.

“Get there early,” she recommended. “We usually run out of soup.”

There will also be homemade desserts available for purchase, as well as cookbooks with the chefs’ recipes. Attendees can also sign up for door prizes.

Tickets are available in advance at the Hays Veterinary Hospital, 1016 E. Eighth; Fur is Flying, 2204 Vine; Back to Nature, 2707 Vine; the Humane Society of the High Plains, 2050 E. U.S. 40; and at the door.