WHAT IS SOUP?
Viroqua SOUP is a much-beloved crowd-funding event designed to support creative projects in our community.
SOUP attendees pitch in a suggested donation of $5 or more to receive:
- A bowl of fresh local Soup & bread
- Receive three to four inspiring project pitches
- A vote to cast for their favorite project
The project with the most votes receives all of the collected funds raised from the night, giving their project a financial boost to bring it to life.
WHAT TYPES OF PROJECTS CAN BE PITCHED?
Projects can include but are not limited to:
- Art installations
- Community events
- Social causes
WHAT GOES INTO A SOUP PITCH?
Each presenter has 4 minutes to share their idea and answer 4 audience questions.
Presentations can include:
- A summary of the project
- How the project benefits the community
- What the funds will be used to support
- A demonstration or example to bring the project to life
ENTRY GUIDELINES
To be considered for Viroqua SOUP, a project must meet the following criteria:
- Be Local – The project must take place in Viroqua or directly benefit the Viroqua community.
- Be Creative – The idea should involve creativity, whether in art, community-building, or problem-solving.
- Be Feasible – The project should be realistic and achievable with SOUP funding and additional resources.
- Be Community-Focused – The project should have a positive impact on Viroqua and its residents.
- Not Fund Standard Business Operations – Funds cannot be used for routine operational costs such as rent, payroll, or general overhead.
APPLY NOW!
We’re currently accepting SOUP applications! Click here to apply.
📅 Next SOUP Events:
- April 15, 2025 – 5-6:30PM – Hosted at Popp Funneral & Creamation Services
- May 13, 2025 – 5-6:30PM – Now Accepting Pitches! Hosted at Second Nature at Reads Creek
- November 2025 – 5-6:30PM
READY TO APPLY? Click the button below to learn more and apply!
Congratulations to our March, 2024 SOUP winners: the Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Ridges & Rivers Incorporated is a nonprofit dedicated to bringing an incredible celebration of books, the arts, and literacy to Viroqua, Wisconsin. After a successful debut event in 2023, the Ridges & Rivers Book Festival returned to Viroqua on April 26-27, 2024.
The 2024 festival boasts an extensive activity calendar, with new events being added weekly. Most events are free of charge, with the exception of a select few ticketed events at the Temple Theatre and various writing workshops.
The festival also brings awareness to the importance of literacy and arts. The City of Viroqua is the smallest town in the United States that hosts a Book Festival.
Congratulations to our January SOUP winners: the Amara Rose Foundation.
The Amara Rose Foundation works in the greater Vernon County area to raise awareness of the dangers of Fentanyl. After the tragic loss of Amara Rose to fentanyl in 2022, her family and community came together to help raise awareness and prevent other families from suffering this loss.
With the rise of fentanyl-related deaths not just here but throughout the U.S., the Amara Rose Foundation is a vital force in combating the epidemic. Through educating, raising awareness, and offering resources and emotional support to those who reach out to them, they are determined to save lives.
They are holding their Second Annual Chili Challenge, on Saturday, March 2, at the Viroqua Eagles Club. 1:00-4:00.
The January 22nd SOUP event raised $650 for the foundation, which will use the funds to increase awareness and resources available to combat the fentanyl epidemic.
Members of the Amara Rose Foundation are available for presentations on the topic, please visit their website to learn more.
Congratulations and heartfelt thank you’s to all the organizations who pitched in January. Thank you Little RAE of Hope’s Rise & Shine Hot Air Balloon Rally the Healing Hearts Care Choir, and the project Swings for Adults with Disabilities!
Thank you to the local businesses and organizations that keep Viroqua SOUP going strong. We couldn’t do this without you!
Interested in supporting or sponsoring Viroqua SOUP? Please reach out to [email protected]