TOUCH DOWN! Orland Township's Souper Bowl Challenge Winners

ORLAND PARK, IL - On Saturday, Feb. 10, Orland Township Supervisor Paul O'Grady's Souper Bowl Challenge was a celebration of good food, but it also served as a fundraiser for both the Orland Township Scholarship Foundation and the Orland Township Food Pantry.

Around 200 guests took on the challenge and tasted soups from cooks divided into four different categories, or quarters, for the competition. Participants competing as Rookies (Foodies between the ages of 12 and 54 years of age), Public Service Pro Bowlers (Emergency Services, Education, Government employees, etc.), Senior Hall of Famers (Senior Citizens, 55 years of age and older), and Culinary MVPs (Restaurants and certified chefs) all had the chance to take home a ribbon and the first place prize of a golden ladle and the end of the event.

“The Souper Bowl Challenge is a fan favorite in our community. The coming together of new cooks alongside seasoned participants adds to the diversity and creativity of dishes presented,” Supervisor Paul O’Grady stated. “Such community initiatives not only showcase culinary talents but also strengthen bonds and create lasting memories for all involved. It's heartwarming to see individuals coming together to share their culinary skills and create memorable moments that leave everyone looking forward to future gatherings.”

Congratulations to our winners:

PEOPLE'S CHOICE: Diane Goerg, Lemon Cream of Chicken

CULINARY MVPs -

• North & Maple Kitchen + Bar, Lemon Cream of Chicken (1st)
• Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, Beer Cheese Soup (2nd)
• Georgios Banquets, Cream of Chicken (3rd)

PUBLIC SERVICE PRO-BOWLERs -

• Midwest Express Clinic, Stuffed Pepper (1st)
• Village of Tinley Park, Beef Barley (2nd)
• Marian Village, Enchilada Soup (3rd)
• Orland Township, Split Pea + Ham (Honorable Mention)

SENIOR HALL OF FAMERs -

• Rod Wojcik, Mushroom Beef Barley (1st)
• Mary Lu Wasniewski, Classic Chicken Noodle (2nd)
• Cathy & Don Pellegrini, Split Pea (3rd)

ROOKIEs -

• Hannah Krydynski, Minestrone Orzo (1st)
• Diane Goerg, Greek Lemon Orzo (2nd)
• Nicki Wroblewski, Chickpea (3rd)

The community came together to support a meaningful initiative while enjoying hearty soups on a winter day. The event provided a platform for individuals to connect, share recipes, and appreciate the art of soup making. Orland Township thanks all participants and guests for partaking in the fifth annual Souper Bowl Challenge. Special thanks to Georgio's Banquets and Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church for donating kitchen time to the challenge participants.

For more information on programs, services, and events being held at Orland Township, visit the website, orlandtownship.org, or call (708) 403-4222. Be sure to like the Orland Township Facebook page for more updates.