12th John Hillert Soup-er Sunday Returns Nov. 1 to Benefit Clifton Forge Area Food Pantry   Clifton Forge, VA (Sept. 28, 2026) - A favorite fall tradition returns to the Alleghany Highlands on Sunday, November 1, when the twelfth annual John Hillert Soup-er Sunday will once again bring together area chefs, volunteers and the community in support of the Clifton Forge Area Food Pantry. Soup-er Sunday will be held as a convenient take-out event, with local chefs and community groups preparing an enticing selection of hearty soups, stews and chilis. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Clifton Forge Area Food Pantry, helping provide food to families throughout the region. The response from area cooks has once again been tremendous. Two dozen different soups are being offered this year, with 288 quarts available for pre-order at $12 per quart. Pre-ordering began on October 1. Because Soup-er Sunday has sold out before in previous years, some chefs are preparing additional quarts that will be available for purchase on November 1, while supplies last. Ordering is Easy, Pre-ordering begins October 1. To view the complete menu and place an order, visit www.historicmasonictheatre.com, select the Soup-er Sunday event and follow the ordering instructions. Orders may also be placed by calling The Historic Masonic Theatre at 540-862-5655. Pre-ordered soups will be available for pickup on Sunday, November 1, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Masonic Amphitheatre alley, 513 Church Street. Customers can remain comfortably in their vehicles while Theatre board members and volunteers deliver their soup orders. For those who did not pre-order, soup will also be available for purchase on November 1 while supplies last. Customers may enter the alley, select from the soups still available and have their purchase delivered directly to their vehicle. Payment will be made at the time of pickup. Local Chefs Make a Difference One of the things that makes Soup-er Sunday so special is the generosity of the people who make it possible. Area chefs, businesses and community groups donate their time, talent and ingredients, ensuring that as much of the money raised as possible goes directly to the Food Pantry. The menu includes several returning favorites along with new offerings, giving soup lovers plenty of choices—and providing an opportunity to stock the freezer with delicious homemade soups while helping neighbors in need. Evelyn Cooper, president of the Clifton Forge Area Food Pantry, said, “Our Pantry has benefited many families in the Alleghany Highlands over the years. This year has been no exception. While our supplies are low, we strive to serve as many as we can. The monetary donations continue to aid in the purchasing of food from our warehouse. We are grateful for the Soup-er Sunday event and all donations; it's what keeps us afloat.” The Clifton Forge Area Food Pantry serves residents of Clifton Forge, Iron Gate, Millboro, Hot Springs, areas of Covington, Eagle Rock and anyone experiencing an emergency, providing food assistance to more than 350 families each month. Proceeds from Soup-er Sunday help the Pantry purchase food and extend its supplies for several months. Those attending the event are also encouraged to bring canned goods and other non-perishable food items when picking up their soup orders. Monetary donations to the Food Pantry are welcome as well. A Tradition of Community and Remembrance Wendy Hudler, director of operations at The Historic Masonic Theatre, said Soup-er Sunday has become an eagerly anticipated community tradition. “This year marks the twelfth annual John Hillert Soup-er Sunday. From the very beginning, this event has been extremely popular. This is a delicious way to fill your freezer and simultaneously help our Food Pantry! Thank you to all our chefs—our new chefs and our returning chefs—who make this a part of their annual routine.” The event is named in memory of John Hillert, who was instrumental in developing the idea for Soup-er Sunday as a fundraiser for the Food Pantry and worked alongside volunteers to present the first event. In 2016, Hillert was diagnosed with stage-four non-small-cell lung cancer. Despite his illness, he remained an active member of the Soup-er Sunday committee and attended the 2016 event in his wheelchair. He died on May 18, 2017. Today, Soup-er Sunday continues the tradition John helped begin: bringing people together, sharing good food and helping neighbors in need. For more information about the Clifton Forge Area Food Pantry, visit the Pantry’s Facebook page. Soup-er Sunday is sponsored by The Historic Masonic Theatre.

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