Cherokee County Chapter of the American Red Cross is proud to report that Souper Supper 2007 netted more than $18,000. The event was held this past weekend at the ROC.

Early estimates indicated that Red Cross board members and volunteers raised more than $5,000 through ticket sales alone. And once again, local merchants and individuals were generous in donating vacation packages, portraits, gift certificates and other items for both the silent and live auction.

“We are absolutely astonished at the generosity of Cherokee County,” said Betsy Hollis, chapter manager, Cherokee County Red Cross. “We have already made back what we have paid out for family fires since July.”

Winner of this year’s ‘Best Soup In Cherokee County’ Award was the Lighthouse Restaurant and Motel located at 2290 Alabama Highway 68 East in Gaylesville, owned and operated by Glenda Barger.

Ironically, Barger doesn’t even have soup on her menu, but she wanted to contribute to this worthy cause, so she made broccoli and cheddar soup for this year’s event.

“We will do it again next year and see if we can come up with something new!” said Barger.

Some 13 local restaurants and Sageberry Catering Service provided an ample amount of soups for the American Red Cross Souper Supper/Auction, which more than 300 people enjoyed this past Saturday. Local homemaker’s clubs did the rest by providing cakes and cornbreads. Volunteers from Leesburg, Blairtown, Fairview, Sand Rock, McCord’s Crossroads and JFK Homemakers Clubs along with Red Cross Volunteers worked long hours to raise funds for the Cherokee County Chapter of the American Red Cross. Also assisting were local high school students.

Winner of the big screen color television was Aaron Hostler of Ohatchee. Hostler is engaged to Kelly Hulgan. They plan to be married July 7. He purchased the ticket from his mother-in-law, Thereasa Hulgan.

The Red Cross extends appreciation to all of those who made the 2007 event a success