The aroma of warm soup and the spirit of giving once again filled Indian River County as Catholic Charities’ Samaritan Center hosted its 33rd Annual Soup Bowl. What began as a simple idea—sharing a humble meal to support homeless families—has grown into one of the area’s most beloved community traditions, uniting neighbors - Breaking Bread Together for the Homeless.
This year’s event brought together churches, businesses, schools, artists, and volunteers in a collective act of compassion. Across more than 20 serving locations, friends and neighbors gathered over bowls of soup, each one a symbol of nourishment and hope. Every ladle served carried with it a promise—that families in crisis can find shelter, stability, and a fresh start at the Samaritan Center.
The soup itself was generously donated by local country clubs, including Vero Beach Country Club, The Windsor Club, and Indian River Club, highlighting once more the community’s deep commitment to caring for families in need.
Local potters, through the generous support of Indian River Clay, once again lent their creativity and skill, crafting hundreds of one-of-a-kind bowls. These limited-edition handcrafted pieces not only served as beautiful keepsakes but also as reminders of the “potter’s wheel” that shapes lives—transforming hardship into resilience and brokenness into strength.
From longtime sponsors like the Bernard A. Egan Foundation to first-time partners eager to make a difference, the outpouring of generosity was nothing short of inspiring. We extend heartfelt gratitude to the Samaritan Center Advisory Committee for organizing this year’s event and to our full circle of sponsors:
Guardian Angel Sponsor: Bernard A. Egan Foundation
Haven Ambassador Sponsors: Holy Cross Catholic Church; Mr. and Mrs. Carol Mahony
Giving Heart Sponsors: Rene and Alice Donars and Mr. and Mrs. George Higgs
Helping Hand Sponsors: Friends of the Samaritan Center, Mike and Miriam Burns, Tom and Cheryle Macke, George and Pat Pellington, Neil and Leigh Woisard; Coffee House 1420; EP Citrus Management; George E. Warren Corporation; Morgan, Petersen, Merrill Lynch Management; St. Helen Catholic Church; St. Sebastian Catholic Church
Success Circle Sponsors: Mr. and Mrs. John Campana; The Full of Grace Fund; Lucas Roofing, Inc.; SpirePoint Private Client; St. John of the Cross Catholic Church; Deacon Bill and Mary Ellen Weiss
Transportation Circle Sponsors: A Friend of the Samaritan Center; Joe and Sue Detzel; Mrs. Karen Egan; Steve and Cate Fradkin; Paul and Maxine Gallagher; Ms. Carol Ludwig and Mr. Warren Obluck; Mrs. Carolyn Veenman; Barker Air Conditioning & Heating; One Sotheby’s International Realty; Schlitt Services; The Beach Shop; Vero Outdoor Living
Souper Special Circle Sponsors: Green Marlin; Kountry Kitchen with Love; The Lemon Tree; Waldo’s Restaurant
We also thank The Heritage Center and all participating soup-serving locations, including:
Billero & Billero Properties; Brown & Brown Insurance; The Community Church; Indian River County Sheriff; Indian River Shores Community Center; Coldwell Banker Paradise; Keller Williams Realty; Living Lord Lutheran Church; Offutt, Barton and Schlitt CPA; ONE Presidential Mortgage; ONE Sotheby’s International Realty; Pepper & Salt BBQ; Schlitt Services; St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church; St. Sebastian Catholic Church; Temple Beth Shalom; Unity Spiritual Center of Vero Beach; Vero Beach Art Club; Vero Beach Police Department; Vero Beach Rowing – The Boathouse; Women’s Club of Vero Beach; First Baptist Church Family Life Center; Christ by the Sea United Methodist Church; First Methodist Church Vero Beach; and St. John of the Cross Catholic Church.
Each donation—every $5 soup contribution, pottery purchase, and sponsor commitment—directly supports the Samaritan Center’s mission to help homeless families become self-sufficient through education, guidance, and faith.
As soup was shared and smiles exchanged, the true meaning of the day became clear: community is at its strongest when hearts come together to serve others.
Catholic Charities’ Samaritan Center extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who stirred hope, shared kindness, and filled bowls—and hearts—at this year’s 33rd Annual Soup Bowl. Together, we are shaping lives and building a future where every family has a place to call home.
