The Soroptimist Soup Night and Silent Auction features unlimited soups from local restaurants in Davis, Winters and Woodland, as well as salad and dessert. Photo designed by Magnific

DAVIS, CA (MPG) - Soroptimist International of Davis (SI Davis) invites the community to attend its 17th Annual Soup Night and Silent Auction, Thursday, Oct. 15 at Veterans Memorial Center. The fund raiser benefits two organizations: SI Davis and Make it Happen for Yolo County. 

The event takes place at the Veterans Memorial Center, 203 E. 14th St. in Davis from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The Soroptimist Soup Night and Silent Auction features unlimited soups from local restaurants in Davis, Winters and Woodland, as well as salad and dessert. Each ticket includes a beverage ticket for a local beer, glass of wine or nonalcoholic drink. Additional alcoholic drink tickets are available for purchase. 

This year’s event is emceed by Shelley Dunning, a longtime Davis resident and owner of Mabel’s Market, a downtown business specializing in local products from small producers. Music will be provided by Sacramento-based musical duo Vices to Virtues.

Sponsors to date include: UC Davis Health, Sue & Randy Southard, Lea Rosenberg, Jen Kukis (Edward Jones), Shelley Montgomery, Elaine Barratt, Wilton Rancheria, Tres Equity, Julie Kaye, Golden 1 Credit Union, Don Saylor, Davis Media Access, Blake’s Heating & Air and O’Hara Construction. 

The event is a longstanding tradition that moved to the Vets in 2024 after it continued growing in popularity. A highlight is always the silent auction, which features meticulously crafted themed baskets, each a labor of love from dedicated Soroptimists and generous local businesses. From artisanal gifts to unexpected experiences, the auction is a celebration of community generosity and creativity. It’s a great chance to get a jump start on holiday shopping too. 

“I look forward to welcoming the community to this relaxed, family friendly event,” said Lori Hansen, SI Davis club member and event chair. “Whether you have been attending our Soup Night over the years or this is your first time, we appreciate your support of our mission to empower the women and girls of Yolo County by providing access to education.” 

General admission tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Students or children ages 6-17 are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Children 5 and under are free. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Auction bidding ends at 7:30 p.m. and the event concludes at 8 p.m. For tickets or sponsorship information, visit https://www.sidavis.org/events/soup-night/ 

The evening’s proceeds benefit SI Davis programs and Make it Happen’s mission to support underserved transition-age youth in Yolo County by providing essential household goods, resources and advocacy to help them build stable homes and independent lives. 

Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. Learn more about the service club at https://sidavis.org/ and about Make it Happen for Yolo County at https://www.mihyolo.org/