Cameron, a Meraki High School volunteer, pours soup for a guest. Photo by Judy Andrews

FAIR OAKS, CA (MPG) – Nearly 200 soup lovers attended the Fair Oaks Historical Society’s Annual Soup Night Fundraiser and Auction on Feb. 7 at Faith Lutheran Church in Fair Oaks. Celebrating its 19th year, Soup Night remains one of the community’s favorite events, bringing neighbors together for an evening of fun, celebration and soup tasting provided by local restaurants.

Several locals, such as Max Jones from Fair Oaks, have attended the fundraiser every year since it started. Jones’ guests this year included his daughter, Colleen, and his granddaughter, Candace, both of whom grew up in the area.  

Fair Oaks resident Max Jones poses with daughter Colleen and granddaughter Candace. Jones has attended the event every year since 2007. Photo by Judy Andrews

“I love supporting our community whenever I can, especially Soup Night, because I get to see people I know, but don’t visit with regularly,” shared Jones. 

Hopeful winners, Margee Wood and daughter Gloria, inspect more than 100 raffle prizes. Photo by Judy Andrews

Participating restaurants included Brahma Bar and Grill, Cafe Italiano, Fair Oaks Brew Pub, O Café Bakery Bistro, and Pancho Villa BBQ and Catering. Sprouts provided salad, Cosco provided bread and homemade cookies were served for dessert.

“The proceeds from Soup Night go toward the maintenance of the Fair Oaks History Center and help us expand our historical collections,” explained Claudia Thorn, recent president of the Fair Oaks Historical Society. “Last year, the event raised nearly $10,000 to fund essential repairs to the History Center’s roof.”

Founded in 1975, the Fair Oaks Historical Society is a volunteer-led nonprofit that relies on donations and volunteers to operate. Members staff the History Center and greet visitors at the museum from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. The museum is located at 10340 Fair Oaks Blvd. (next to Sunflower Drive-In).

Thorn expressed special thanks to Planning Chair Carolyn Spotts for her excellent job of managing the event; Mike Maddox, who ensured the live and silent auction portion of the program went smoothly; the Soup Night planning committee; Faith Lutheran Church for donating their facility for the evening; Don Yost for donating the handmade ceramic soup bowls; Meraki High School Youth Employment Tech Clarissa French; and the students and parents of Meraki High School.

Some members of the planning committee and board pose for a photo. Back row left to right: Mike Maddox; Carolyn Spotts, Claudia Thorn, Bud Beebe, Lynn Steen, Terry Clifton, David Navarro. Front row: Anmarie Medan, Sherry Clifton, Clarissa French. Photo by Judy Andrews

Meraki High School volunteers included 27 students, eight parents and three staff members. The students handled the setup, decorations, sold raffle tickets, served soup, waited tables, washed dishes, cleaned up and more.

Clarissa French oversees the high school’s volunteer program.

“Although not required, our students freely give their time to creating, organizing, encouraging participation and executing community service projects throughout the year,” shared French. “Soup Night, in particular, is one they talk about all year and look forward to the most, while encouraging their classmates to sign up.”

Flora, Meraki High School volunteer, delivers salad to tables. Photo by Judy Andrews

Tips collected at the end of the evening were donated to the Meraki Booster Club, which supports the students' individual projects, major school projects and events.

For more information about the Fair Oaks Historical Society and History Center, or to become a member, visit www.fairoakshistory.org.