700 quarts of soup donated in annual fundraiser for hospice organization

CHARLOTTE — Charlotte’s annual Soup on Sunday fundraiser fed hundreds of people, all while raising money for a good cause.

People picked up their soup at Central Piedmont Community College Sunday. Organizers made the fundraiser “pick-up” style this year because of COVID-19.

There were 22 chefs who donated soup for the fundraiser, and proceeds went to programs at Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte, which will give more people free grief counseling. Organizers said they received 700 quarts of soup.

“Its a time for the community to come together those who have been impacted by hospice, those who have had a loved one that we have served,” said Hospice & Palliative Care president Pete Brunnick. “And this is a way to kind of get back together and reconnect and celebrate what a wonderful service hospice is.”

Sunday was the 22nd annual event, but it was a little different this year.

One longtime participant was not able to take part; instead, her life and legacy were honored.

Catherine Rabb, who was one of the owners of Fenwick’s Restaurant in Myers Park, is known for helping the community. She died of cancer last month. For the last 20 years, Rabb has been part of the fundraising event. This year, it was held in her honor.

Catherine Rabb was one of the first chefs in Charlotte to donate soup more than 20 years ago. Her husband, Don Rabb, said she would appreciate the fact that she is still helping the cause.

The couple opened Fenwick’s in 1984. Don Rabb said that his wife became a sommelier and taught at Johnson & Wales University.

“She seems like she’s been always driven to do more things,” Don Rabb said. “She never stopped learning different things.”

Don Rabb said he gets cards in the mail and calls from people whose lives his wife touched.

“It’s overwhelming -- the response from tons of people. And I’m not exaggerating,” he said.

Because of COVID-19 safety concerns, this year’s Soup on Sunday was a drive-thru only event and orders had to be placed in advance.

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Event that supports hospice organization to honor longtime participant

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