Domestic Violence Intervention Program’s 25th annual Souper Bowl Fundraiser will be held Feb. 24 at Big Grove Brewery

IOWA CITY — The Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP)’s 25th Anniversary Souper Bowl Fundraiser will be held on Feb. 24 at Big Grove Brewery in Iowa City from 2 to 6 p.m. In an effort to keep the community safe, participants may pick up their soup in person at Big Grove or choose contactless delivery. “Soupporters” will be able to choose from 15 soups donated by local restaurants.

The 25th Annual Souper Bowl tickets will go on sale Friday at 9 a.m. Visit dvipiowa.org/events/ to purchase tickets.

Tickets will be available through Feb. 10. Preorder soups and choose from 15 local restaurants in Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty and Washington. Participants will receive a commemorative 25th anniversary mug with each general ticket sold. Come pick up your soup, and if you would like, stay a bit to socialize safely with fellow ticket holders, DVIP board of directors, volunteers, and staff.

To-go soups will need to be heated and enjoyed at home. There also will be family packages and a VIP package that includes free Big Grove beer tokens to be used when you would like, and special gifts. Ticket holders also have the option to have their soup delivered within a 15-mile radius of Big Grove between the hours of 2 and 6 p.m. Those in need of special accommodations should contact communityengagement@dvipiowa.org.

For over 40 years, DVIP has partnered with the community to support victim-survivors and provide safety solutions.

As DVIP and other victim service programs face a 25% funding cut, “this event is vital because it provides the financial support to ensure our advocates are there when victim-survivors need them, ” said Alta Medea, director of community engagement. “In addition, the Souper Bowl demonstrates that we, as a community, support and believe victim-survivors. This event shows them that they are not alone.”

This community event raises funds for victims of intimate partner violence, human trafficking, stalking, and harassment in the eight southeastern Iowa counties that DVIP serves. The “Souper Bowl” was created by Executive Director Kristie Fortmann-Doser to challenge the myth that more violence occurs against women around the NFL Super Bowl. Violence against women, men, and children happens every day. 1 in 4 women, 1 in 7 men, and 1 in 15 children will be affected by intimate partner abuse in their lifetime.

Ticket options:

• General Souper Bowl ticket — $30

(2) 8oz cups of soup and 1 mug

• Family of 4 package — $75

(5) 8oz cups soups and 2 mugs

• VIP Package — $100

(5) 8oz cups of soup with 2 mugs, 2 Big Grove Beer Tokens and special gifts.

• 12 and up/Student — $15

(1) 8oz cup of soup and no mug

• 12 and under — Free

(1) 8oz cup of soup and no mug

If you can’t attend but would still like to participate, consider purchasing a gift of soup “soupporter” ticket. This gift can be given to a friend, family member, or you can simply donate to the event. The cost of the ticket is based on which option you choose.

Past years’ attendees are encouraged to share photos and memories from the past 25 years by emailing communityengagement@dvipiowa.org. Images and stories will be shared on DVIP’s social media channels, web page, commemorative photo book, and on the day of the event at the pickup location.

The Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP) provides comprehensive services to victim-survivors of intimate partner violence. For over 40 years, DVIP has offered support, resources, and safety to individuals in an eight-county service region which includes Cedar, Des Moines, Henry, Iowa, Lee, Johnson, Washington, and Van Buren counties. DVIP’s services include a 24/7/365 hotline, safety planning, advocacy, trauma-informed counseling, emergency pet programs, and more. Individuals who need help should call our hotline at 1- (800) 373-1043.