HUTTO –– The recent 7th annual Souper Bowl hosted by the Hutto Community Foundation scored a touchdown for student business pioneers, organizers said.
The event, held Feb. 8 at the Hutto Discovery United Methodist Church, raised proceeds to fund HCF’s microgrant program for young entrepreneurs.
Bowls fashioned by students for the event were sold to raise the money under the sponsorship of HCF, which was founded in 2021 in a partnership with the Hutto Area Chamber of Commerce.
HCF’s mission is “to engage, support and provide resources that enhance the quality of life in Hutto and surrounding areas,” said Executive Director Billie Logiudice, who is also president of the Hutto Independent School District board.
“We have a large network of youth trying to start their own businesses and we want to support that,” added Morgan Hubbard, an HCF volunteer.
Microgrant applications are open to anyone under the age of 18. “We are developing the young entrepreneur grant currently with the foundation board in order to best support and connect to our mission,” Logiudice added.
Business ideas are as diverse as the young visionaries, such as a jewelry-making enterprise and a T-shirt printing company.
“There are some students working on making their own salsa,” Hubbard said.
The Souper Bowl is also an opportunity for HCF to partner with other student groups and entertainers to showcase talent in the Hutto community, officials said.
Local performer Perry Savard, the Veterans’ Hill Elementary School Ballet Folklórico troupe and the Hutto High School Jazz Band provided entertainment.
The Hutto High School culinary arts program and the Family Career Community Leaders of America worked together to prepare the food for the Souper Bowl.
They created the menu for the fundraiser, which consisted of chili and two soups, including a vegetarian option, rolls and carrot cake for dessert.
“These kids are amazing,” said Hutto ISD chef instructor Said Farraje. “They’re always ready and willing to help any time an opportunity arises. We go to so many community events and volunteer opportunities.”
The bowls sold at the event were handcrafted by Hutto High and Hutto Ninth Grade Center students enrolled in the Hutto ISD ceramics program.
Kristin Casey, the mother of a Veterans’ Hill dancer, said, “It’s important that the Hutto community and the Hutto schools can come together. With so many new people moving into the area, they don’t know all the great things that the schools can do.”
Hutto transplants and retirees Debbie and Terry Robinson agreed. They moved to Hutto three years ago and said this is their third year attending the Souper Bowl.
“We’re just trying to support local folks since we’ve moved here and it’s been wonderful,” Terry Robinson said.
“Our schools are a critical part of our community,” Hubbard said. “I think an event like this highlights the great things that are happening at Hutto ISD and we’re just thankful to partner with them and showcase that.”
To learn more, visit huttocommunityfoundation. org/.
Handcrafted bowls by Hutto Independent School District students helped raise proceeds for a grant sponsored by the Hutto Community Foundation during the 7th Annual Souper Bowl. Photo by Emily Treadway
The Hutto High School culinary arts program and the Family Career Community Leaders of America prepared the eats for the Souper Bowl, including Merlina Maxwell (left), Vivian Ta, Golda Osei Bonsu, Ariana Johnson, Rebekah Merkord, Tyler Hutson, Ella Christmas, Joshua Beckett and Julian Borne. Photo by Emily Treadway
Julian Borne serves up some victuals during the recent Souper Bowl fundraiser. Photo by Emily Treadway
Entertainment at the 7th annual Souper Bowl fundraiser in Hutto featured Veterans’ Hill Elementary School Ballet Folklórico troupe members including Aliyanna Padron, Caylin Casey, Alenah Galan and Ivana Parra. Photo by Emily Treadway
