Souper Saturday brings businesses and charities together in downtown Paragould

Eleven downtown Paragould businesses partnered with eleven local nonprofits Saturday for the first Souper Saturday, selling small bowls of soup and directing proceeds to the chosen organizations.

Eleven businesses in downtown Paragould teamed with eleven local charities on Saturday for the first Souper Saturday. Each participating shop paired with a nonprofit and sold small bowls of soup, with proceeds going to the chosen organizations. The soups were provided by CHOW At One Eighteen and each business served its own variety. Organizers said the event was intended to connect residents with local nonprofits and downtown businesses. Event details: - Eleven businesses partnered with eleven nonprofits and sold small soup bowls, with proceeds directed to the partner organizations. - Sarah Caples, owner of Southern Roots Boutique and executive director of Ag for Autism, helped organize the event and described it as the first year for Souper Saturday. - The soups were prepared by CHOW At One Eighteen; Southern Roots offered vegetable and beef, and Ozzie's Legacy served an asparagus soup described as seasoned with basil and black pepper. - Attendees reported discovering nonprofits and businesses they had not previously visited, and one organizer noted steady attendance despite cool morning temperatures. - Participating business–charity pairings included Blush on Pruett with Catalyst for Kids; Backroad Social Trade Co. with Paragould FOP #87; Cultured Man with Paragould Run Company; MJ's Southern Chic with Children's Home, Inc.; NK Boutique with Hope Found of Northeast Arkansas; Perfect Touch with Together We Foster; Shay Rene's Boutique with Henry Wrinkles Foundation; Something Sweet with Ozzie's Legacy; Southern Roots with Ag for Autism; Spirit Knows with Mission Outreach; and The Paisley Pineapple with St. Jude's. Summary: The event highlighted connections between downtown businesses and local charities and drew a steady community turnout despite cool weather. Undetermined at this time.