Our SOUP event in April this year gave four VCSEs (Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises) the chance to pitch to an audience and win prize money to fund a new project. Our winner, Carl Hutchins who pitched on behalf of his CIC (Community Interest Company) Alifie’s Arc, gave us the exciting news this week that his prize fund went towards the purchase of a van! Now he can make deliveries without having to use his own car.
Lianne Hutchins from Alifie’s Arc said ‘We we are very proud and happy that we were able to achieve this first massive goal. The next step is to save up to get some sign writing on it! Thank you all once again and we look forward to working with you in the future’.
More about Alifie’s Arc
Alfie’s Arc support the community through food parcels, mental health support, and various community-based initiatives. They are named after Alfie, the son of one of our founders, who sadly passed away at the age of 9. The Arc is the start of a circle, a beginning, but with the support of others and those they help, will continue to grow and complete the circle.
As well as purchasing a van, Alfie’s Arc has developed a website. We are so proud to see Alfie’s Arc flourish. At Action Hampshire, our aim is to strengthen the VCSE sector and this is just one example of how we can help.
What is a SOUP event?
A SOUP event is a community event which gives local charities and social enterprises the chance to pitch an idea to an audience and then win a prize fund. The winner is voted for local people! The SOUP phenomenon started in Detroit, USA but is now internally recognised.
There are a few rules; only 4 pitches, only 4 minutes to pitch, 4 questions and no PowerPoint presentations!
Attendees pay £5 entrance fee and receive a delicious bowl of soup and a chance to support local, good causes. Four organisations pitch their ideas, and then have the opportunity to interface with community leaders and charities and talk about their project. After the presentations, the audience discuss and debate while they eat, before voting for their favourite project.
It’s an extraordinary and fun night out which can help make a difference in the community. It’s a way to network, share ideas and be part of something new and exciting.
Would you like to get involved with a SOUP event?
If your organisation would like to get involved in a SOUP event and/or become a sponsor we’d love to hear from you. We’ve already had interest from some organisations wishing to collaborate, so please do get in touch. Please contact hannah.henshaw@actionhampshire.org
Want to lean more?
Why not read our blog about the event or our follow up story. You’ll find plenty of pictures and may spot someone you know!
Follow this link to read the blog
