Update Feb. 4, 2026, at 10:24 p.m. to include the names contributing professional potters and potteries.
A sell-out crowd sampled more than 30 soups offered by 26 vendors at Opportunity House’s 24th Annual Souper Bowl.
The event Monday at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Reading is the largest annual fundraiser for the nonprofit that helps shelter unhoused people and guide them toward self-sufficiency.
“Souper Bowl continues to be one of the most anticipated events of the year,” Stacy Perlaki, director of development for the nonprofit, said in a statement. “It’s been a cherished tradition for 24 years. Our sold-out status is a testament to how our community supports our mission.”
During the winter months, the need for emergency shelter increases, along with demand for the nonprofit’s transitional housing, said Alyssa Bushkie, CEO of the organization.
Guests choose a handcrafted bowl by local artists at the 24th annual Souper Bowl to benefit Opportunity House at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, 701 Penn St., on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
“Events like Souper Bowl provide the critical funding needed to ensure individuals and families experiencing homelessness have access to safe shelter, support services and pathways to stable housing,” she said.
More than 500 attendees selected from one-of-a-kind pottery bowls created by volunteers from GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, Kutztown University, Allegheny Evangelical Lutheran Church and Friedens Lutheran Church, and local schools, including Boyertown Middle School, Exeter High School, Hamburg High School, Kutztown High School, Muhlenberg High School, Oley Valley High School, Schuylkill Valley Middle School, Twin Valley Middle School and Wilson High School.
Professional potters donating bowls included GoggleWorks, Hon. Judge James Bucci, Clay on Main, Johnny Funk, Petrified Forest, Hilltop Studio, Foltz Pottery, and Taylor Backes.
Bowls crafted by local artisans are on display at the 24th annual Souper Bowl to benefit Opportunity House at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, 701 Penn St., on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
The event also included a silent auction, featuring bowls handcrafted by local artists.
The evening concluded with the announcement of the taste test winners. Pulse Café, 35 N. Sixth St., took home the People’s Choice Award, and the Chef’s Choice Award went to Dan’s of Green Hills, 2444 Morgantown Road, Cumru Township, for the second year in a row.
Carlos Belilla from Tec Centro ladles out some black bean soup to be served with coconut bread at the 24th annual Souper Bowl to benefit Opportunity House at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, 701 Penn St., on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
All proceeds support Opportunity House.
A fundraising total was not immediately available, but the event typically raises about $80,000 for the shelter, organizers said.
The nonprofit provides emergency shelter for more than 700 men, women, families and veterans each year at locations in Reading and Pottstown.
In addition, it offers support services to help individuals experiencing homelessness achieve stable housing and provides transitional and supportive housing to over 100 individuals.
Its Second Street and Patton Avenue learning centers offer quality child care to more than 200 children annually.
The organization also diverts over 1 million pounds of household goods, textiles and other items from landfills through its OppShop thrift store and recycling efforts.