During the cold nights of Midwest winter, the warmth of an apartment or dorm room is often taken for granted. This Saturday, the UW-Madison chapter of Habitat for Humanity will be holding its ninth annual Souper Bowl in hopes of generating enough money to take one family out of the cold.
According to a UW-Madison Habitat for Humanity press release, the fundraiser will take place at Madison West High School, 30 Ash St., and community members will be able to help the cause by purchasing a meal with a ceramic bowl for $15 or just a meal for $8.
\We have area high school students who make ceramic bowls as well as some area potters,"" said UW-Madison senior and Souper Bowl volunteer chair Tricia Coleman.
According to Coleman, the group expects a greater turnout this year due to the effort the group has put into organization.
""Last year we raised $18,000 and this year we're hoping to surpass $20,000,"" said UW-Madison senior and UW-Madison Habitat for Humanity president Alexandria Wenzel.
Wenzel said the group has such high aspirations for the amount they intend to raise because the cost for an average Habitat for Humanity home increased from $60,000 and will soon be increasing to $75,000.
""We sponsor one home every year in Dane County,"" Wenzel said. ""We fundraise half the cost and Dane County matches what we raise.""
The fundraiser will follow the Kites on Ice event this Saturday and Coleman said the group hopes to attract hungry people from one event to the next.
According to Wenzel, the need of homes in Madison is on the rise.
""The applications list for homes is long,"" Wenzel said. ""The list consists of low-income families who will be able to pay back the interest free loan.""
Those in attendance will not be left without entertainment. According to Wenzel, high school jazz bands will perform, and speakers who have been involved in Habitat for Humanity will pontificate.
""There will be people speaking who have benefited from the fundraiser personally and are currently living in habitat for Humanity built homes,"" Wenzel said.
""This is a great fundraiser where the UW campus and community will get to come together,"" Wenzel said.
After a community meal of soup, salad and bread, the group hopes to put a roof over one more needy family's head.
