Cornerstone's Soupfest Turns Into Virtual Auction For 2020

VERNON, CT — The Cornerstone Foundation's annual Soupfest will be a virtual silent auction this year. After 11 years of sponsoring the popular culinary event every November, the organization was forced to call off the in-person version because coronavirus restrictions.

Last year's Soupfest brought in more than $30,000 in funds to help run the soup kitchen, clothing bank, food cupboard and shelters.

Tom Stauffer, the Soupfest organizer and vice president of the Cornerstone Board of Directors, said he hopes the "faithful supporters" of past Soupfest events will "step up" to help make the online auction a success.

"We are trying something new and different in hopes that we can get some support," Stauffer said. "We have to try. Failure is to not try."

Information about the virtual Soupfest can be found on the Cornerstone website —www.cornerstone-cares.org.

Bidding will open on November 12t at 8 a.m. and end on Nov. 19 at 8 p.m.

The auction website is now open to preview and items continue to be added, Stauffer said.

In order to bid, participants will need to create an account on the Ready, Set, Auction website, which can be found on the Cornerstone website. All winning bidders will receive a Soupfest wooden spoon and a coupon for free soup from a local restaurant.

Item pickups are slated for Nov. 21 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Cornerstone Community Center, 3 Prospect St. in the Rockville section of Vernon.

"Now more than ever, Cornerstone serves a significant role in helping area families and the
support of the community is needed and appreciated," Stauffer said.

For more information, visit the Cornerstone website or email thomas.stauffer@cornerstone-cares.org.