Meraki High School student volunteers were a big hit at Soup Night. Senior Mihret Gregory and 8-year-old Faith Bebout, the principal's daughter, are shown here. Photo by Judy Andrews

FAIR OAKS, CA (MPG) - Nearly 200 soup lovers turned out on Feb. 8 to support the Fair Oaks Historical Society at its 18th annual Premier Soup Night and Auction.

Held at the Faith Lutheran Church, the event raised more than $10,000 for the Fair Oaks Historical Society, which will help improve and maintain the History Center and grow its collections. The historical society is a volunteer-based organization celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

“This year’s Soup Night was the most successful one ever,” said Fair Oaks Historical Society President Claudia Thorn, who also served as the event chair. “Many thanks to the event committee, volunteers, restaurants who donated soup and everyone who donated prizes. I’d especially like to thank the community for your continued support.”

Thorn praised volunteer Carolyn Spotts for her exceptional coordination and planning efforts, Meraki High School Youth Employment tech Clarissa French and Meraki High School Community Outreach Committee chair Toby Adams.

More than 40 Meraki High School students, parents and staff, plus two Bella Vista students, volunteered to serve soup and homemade desserts, sell raffle tickets, pass out prizes and clean up. They also set up all the guest tables ahead of time. 

“When the students were asked to help, they rose to the occasion,” French said. “They never get tired of signing up to volunteer in the community and were eager to help out.”

Tips were collected at the end of the evening and donated to the Meraki Booster Club.

Soup Night organizers gave a “big thank you” to Mike Maddox, who led the silent auction and raffle drawing giveaway. More than 100 prizes were handed out.

The organizers also thanked all the restaurants that contributed soup: O Café Bakery Bistro, Bodega Biondi, Fair Oaks Brew Pub, Caffe Italiano, and Brahma Bar and Grill. Sprouts contributed greens and candied pecans for salads.

For more information on the Fair Oaks Historical Society and the History Center, visit its website at fairoakshistory.org. New members are always welcome.