After the success of last year’s community fundraising event that saw a local youth project receive funding for art materials, a local reminiscence tea party, community tree planting and post natal support as a result Ashburton SOUP is now coming back.

This year it is more important than ever to get together and support each other, so donations for the soup will be entirely optional thanks to the support of local individuals and organisations including the Portreeve who committed a very generous donation of £1,000 which will be given away on the night.

This fundraising initiative is simple: Local people come together, eat a bowl of soup and listen to people pitch for their community benefiting project ideas before voting for their favourite pitch.

Pitchers each have the floor for up to five minutes and must rely on their passion and speaking abilities to win over the audience.

With the presentations over, soup is served and participants will have time to think, chat with others, and mull over the ideas before choosing their favourite idea.

The event is supported by Ashburton Growing Space, Methodist Church + Community, Teignbridge CVS , Coljan Café Restaurant.

The winning pitches get to take home, between them, a share of local donations which will be in excess of £1,000.

There is also an opportunity to ask for other support from the community.

They get to use it to fund their plans, with the promise they will come back to report on their progress at the next SOUP event.

Coming along on Saturday, November 19, from 6pm, to Ashburton Town Hall will also give you a chance to hear how previous winners have spent their money, eat tasty SOUP and of course vote who are the most deserving projects.

You do not need to be a registered charity in order to pitch. All that is needed is an idea that benefits the community!

So get on your thinking heads and write a paragraph about your idea or project, and send it to [email protected] as soon as possible.

Alternatively ask Sarah for a pitching form to fill in. Places to attend can be booked at tcvs.eventbrite.co.uk

For more information contact Anja at [email protected] or on 07435 570161.