Knoxville, September 18, 2025 News Summary The Knoxville SOUP dinner, a micro-granting event, will return, providing funding for local initiatives. Scheduled for September 23, attendees can enjoy soup, vote on project proposals, and potentially win raffle prizes. With roots in community engagement, this event has supported various projects since its start. Participants can submit proposals until September 14, enhancing community collaboration. Knoxville will once again host the Knoxville SOUP dinner, an event designed to provide funding for community projects through a unique micro-granting model. Scheduled for Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at the Kerbela Temple in South Knoxville, the dinner invites participants to enjoy soup while contributing to local initiatives. An entry fee of $5 not only covers dinner but also grants attendees a vote for their favorite project proposal presented that evening. The Knoxville SOUP concept combines elements of democracy and charity, allowing local organizations to pitch their ideas for project funding directly to the community. Attendees will enjoy soup and salads starting at 7:15 p.m., after the presentations, which will begin at 6:00 p.m.. The winner of the funding will be announced around 8:00 p.m. Since its inception in March 2015, the Knoxville SOUP has hosted 18 dinners, raising nearly $13,000 to support various local initiatives. The first event attracted about 65 people and raised $412 for the rejuvenation of Mary Vestal Park. Funded projects range from improving parks to establishing community gardens and supporting transitional housing. The upcoming dinner aims to expand participation beyond just South Knoxville, welcoming proposals from anywhere in Knox County. Attendees can expect to hear from four selected groups presenting solutions to community challenges, with each group presenting without the aid of slide shows. Knos County Commissioner Larson Jay will emcee the event in place of longtime host Alan Williams, and there will be an interpreter available for attendees who are deaf or hard of hearing. Participants will also have a chance to win raffle prizes, which may include restaurant gift cards and a sightseeing plane ride. Local food donors like South Senior High Living and Redbud Kitchen provide meals for the attendees, ensuring that the event showcases the community’s best culinary offerings. The deadline for submitting project proposals is September 14, and event organizers are actively seeking donations of food and raffle items from local businesses to enhance the experience further. Previous SOUP events have attracted over 200 attendees, raising significant funds for projects—up to $1,466 during some dinners. The SOUP initiative has its roots in a similar concept that originated in Detroit and has since spread to more than 200 locations worldwide. It underscores a growing trend of community engagement and support through collaborative gatherings, making it a noteworthy event for anyone interested in contributing positively to Knoxville’s neighborhoods. Event Details Date: September 23, 2025 Location: Kerbela Temple, South Knoxville Doors Open: 5:30 p.m. Presentations Start: 6:00 p.m. Dinner Served: 7:15 p.m. Winner Announced: 8:00 p.m. Entry Fee: $5 Key Project Types Funded Park improvements Outdoor education spaces Support for transitional housing Community garden establishment FAQ What is Knoxville SOUP? Knoxville SOUP is a micro-granting dinner that has been running for 15 years, combining democracy and charity. When is the next SOUP dinner? The upcoming dinner is scheduled for Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at the Kerbela Temple in South Knoxville. How does the voting process work? All the money collected from the entry fee is donated to one selected project at the end of the dinner. How much has Knoxville SOUP raised so far? There have been 18 SOUP dinners since the inception, raising nearly $13,000 for local initiatives. What types of projects have been funded? Funded projects include improving parks, creating outdoor education spaces, supporting transitional housing, and establishing community gardens. Key Features of Knoxville SOUP Feature Description Event Type Micro-granting dinner Entry Fee $5 Historical Participation Over 200 attendees at past events Total Funds Raised Nearly $13,000 for local initiatives Date of Next Event September 23, 2025 Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic HERE Resources Knoxville Celebrates the Opening of Tesoro Gelato Hubert Smith’s Monthly Luncheon Unites Knoxville Community New Plant and Wine Businesses Launching in North Knoxville Nashville Welcomes Postino Wine Cafe on Nov 1, 2024 Take Baby Steps Towards a Healthier Plate: Dietary Wisdom Polar Vortex to Bring Freezing Temperatures to Texas Next Week Wildlife Enthusiasts Discover Beauty and Diversity in Animals alongside Practices for a Peaceful Mind and Nourishing Recipes Knoxville’s Newest Gem: Embrace Authentic Mexican Cuisine at El Tarasco Taqueria New Mexican Restaurant El Tarasco Brings Authentic Flavors to Knoxville Latest Happenings in New York City: Transportation Upgrades, Restaurant Week, and Local Sports Excitement Additional Resources Inside of Knoxville: Knoxville SOUP Serving Up Crowdsourced Microgrants Knox TN Today: Ruckers to Cove Lake Knoxville SOUP WBIR: SOUPgate Group South Knoxville WATE: 20 Pounds of Soup Tossed at Market Square TNECD: The Heart of Knoxville – The Love Kitchen Story Wikipedia: Soup Google Search: Soup History Google Scholar: Soup Initiatives Encyclopedia Britannica: Soup Google News: Knoxville Soup
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
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