(From Putnam County Habitat for Humanity)

When you enter the holiday-decorated Schroeder Center for the Arts on December 4, you can sample a variety of soups, breads and desserts while supporting Putnam County Habitat for Humanity’s (PCHFH) mission for safe, decent, affordable housing throughout Putnam County. “Soup for Shelter” will take place this Thursday at the Schroeder Center for the Arts at 162 W. Main St., Ottawa, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. This event will be an evening of hearty feasting that features soup bowls made by local school students, teachers and artists.

“Soup for Shelter” tickets for adults are $25. Adult tickets include one handmade bowl, one soup cook-off vote, and all the samples they can eat until the crockpots are empty. Tickets are also available for $5 for children aged 4 to 12; children under 3 admitted free (does not include the hand-made bowl.) Tickets are available December 4 at the door. 

While ticketholders dine, they can vote for their favorite soup. The winner of the evening’s soup cook-off will take home a golden bowl created by mosaic artist Martha Erchenbrecher. 

Since its inception in 2009, PCHFH has built 12 new homes and rebuilt an entire house. Homeowners purchase their homes through low- or zero-interest mortgages provided by PCHFH or through USDA direct loans. Critical home repair projects completed by Putnam County Habitat for Humanity include bathroom remodels, roof repairs and replacements, electrical repairs, window replacements, wheelchair ramp additions and replacements.