People who’ve experienced Knoxville SOUP know it to be one of the liveliest, most enjoyable community events they’ve ever attended. They come, they listen to creative, civic-minded groups describe projects they’re trying to do that need a little financial support, they eat a delicious meal of soup and sides, and then they vote on their favorite.

The project with the most votes wins the take from the door.

SOUP returns this Thursday, July 27, at the South Knoxville Community Center. Doors open at 6 p.m. The program begins at 6:30. The projects that will present are:

  • Central Cinema: “Neighborhood Theater” Moviehouse
  • City of Refuge Inc.: Using the Arts To Build a Family Support System
  • Montgomery Village Residents Association: Back-to-School Supply Drive
  • South Knoxville Community Center: Better Serving a Growing, Older Population

At April’s SOUP at Dara’s Garden, Marble Springs State Historic Site won with a project to upgrade its school-tour program. It was the biggest prize in SOUP history: $830.

It was also the third time Marble Springs executive director Anna Chappelle had presented at SOUP, which was launched about two and a half years ago by the South Knoxville Alliance. Her two previous presentations focused on raising visibility for Marble Springs and its Thursday farmers market.

“The first time I presented, I didn’t know what to expect,” says Chappelle. “How many people would be there? Would we get the support we needed?

“That first round was tough; we were up against some great projects – same with the second and third presentation. Applying and presenting is an easy process. The most difficult part is seeing the need that is in our community and competing with organizations that meet social needs like (rescuing people from) sex trafficking, animal welfare, refugees who come here with nothing but hope, and senior health.

“Though I walked away on two occasions disappointed we didn’t win, I knew the projects that were being fulfilled were needed for the community.”

Chappelle had a different feeling about seeking support for the school tours than she did about the farmers-market project.

“I’m passionate about both,” she says. “However, school tours ARE our mission. There is incredible reward in seeing the joy and interest in the little faces that come to the historic site of John Sevier. The children learn about topics that they don’t see every day.”

Marble Springs has been trying to expand its field-trip experience for a couple of years.

“Purchasing field-trip supplies such as child-sized 18th-century clothing, brooms for chores, quill feathers for writing, wool cards and other items has been a goal of ours for many years. When we received feedback from educators that engaging students in hands-on activities is the best way to ensure they understand and retain information, we knew this would benefit the children and assist Marble Springs in reaching our mission of education.

“Especially for elementary students, the concepts of history and life long ago are difficult to imagine. These are children who literally think life happened in black and white, because that’s what it looks like in pictures.”

Marble Springs board president Brooke Maner, who grew up in South Knoxville, teaches at Farragut Primary School and shared the need for quality field-trip sites that match their curriculum.

“Before we won the Knoxville SOUP, some of the materials needed for the field trips were available only through the volunteers, and if the volunteer couldn’t participate every day, kids would lose out on that experience. Purchasing these materials to always have onsite ensures that all children visiting Marble Springs will have an engaging, educational and fun visit.”

Chappelle, who particularly enjoys interpreting the loom house for kids, believes Marble Springs can make history meaningful to students.

“The children get to understand the history of Tennessee, John Sevier’s role as first governor and his role during the Revolutionary War. Future goals include exhibit spaces that will help to tell the history of the Cherokee, African-Americans and slavery, in addition to the history of John Sevier.”

Chappelle is grateful for the funds Marble Springs received from SOUP.

“Knoxville SOUP is one of the greatest democratic processes for funding small projects in Knoxville,” she says. “It is such a wonderful resource that the South Knoxville Alliance has started for the Knoxville community.

“We at Marble Springs are so very appreciative of this program. I encourage anyone who has a project that can benefit the community or their organization to apply.

“Also, don’t give up!”