Annapolis Church Hosts Successful SOUPer Bowl Lunch for Homeless Charity

200-plus attendees raise over $6,500 for Light House Homeless Prevention and Support Center

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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More than 200 people attended the 20th Annual SOUPer Bowl Lunch at Heritage Baptist Church in Annapolis, Maryland, raising over $6,500 for the Light House Homeless Prevention and Support Center through in-person donations and online giving. The event featured a hearty menu of chili, chicken noodle soup, baked potato soup, salad, bread, and dessert, all prepared by the church's crew. Donations will remain open through February 15th with a goal of reaching $10,000 to support the Light House's homelessness prevention and support programs.

Why it matters

The SOUPer Bowl Lunch is an annual fundraiser that provides critical support for the Light House, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing and addressing homelessness in the Annapolis community. The event's success highlights the community's commitment to supporting those in need and the important role that faith-based organizations can play in addressing social issues.

The details

The 20th Annual SOUPer Bowl Lunch was held at Heritage Baptist Church, an affiliate congregational partner of the Light House that provides ongoing support and resources throughout the year. Guests were treated to a variety of homemade soups, including a special family recipe for chili from Baysox GM Brian Shallcross, as well as salad, bread, and dessert. There was no admission fee, but donations were encouraged to support the Light House's programs.

  • The 20th Annual SOUPer Bowl Lunch took place on February 9, 2026.
  • Donations will remain open through February 15, 2026.

The players

Light House Homeless Prevention and Support Center

A local nonprofit organization in Annapolis, Maryland, dedicated to preventing and addressing homelessness in the community.

Heritage Baptist Church

An affiliate congregational partner of the Light House that provides ongoing support and resources throughout the year, including hosting the annual SOUPer Bowl Lunch fundraiser.

Brian Shallcross

The General Manager of the Baysox, who provided a special family recipe for chili that was served at the event.

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What’s next

Donations for the SOUPer Bowl Lunch will remain open through February 15, 2026, with a goal of reaching $10,000 to support the Light House's homelessness prevention and support programs.

The takeaway

The success of the SOUPer Bowl Lunch highlights the Annapolis community's commitment to supporting those in need and the important role that faith-based organizations can play in addressing social issues like homelessness. The event's long-running tradition and continued growth demonstrate the community's dedication to making a positive impact.