By Still Waters Bistro (formerly Jeanne’s Kitchen) took first place in the Soup Cook-off held March 8 at Maple Crest Senior Living Village. 

The restaurant’s offering of butternut squash soup garnished with candied pecans, lead the menu of seven soups all prepared by area eateries. 

Luke’s Bar & Grill’s creamy chicken and rice soup took second place, while cream of ham and potato provided by the Rowdy Rooster, Columbus Grove, was third. 

The event, which also featured a silent auction, raised nearly $2,000 for the new hair salon at Maple Crest.  Area artists donated items for the auction, such as hand-crafted jewelry, quilted artwork, ceramics and woodcarvings. 

More than 200 people attended the Soup Cook-off, the largest crowd in the history of the event.  Volunteers from Bluffton High School and Bluffton University, Maple Crest elders, the community and MHCO staff helped set up, prepare and serve the meal. 

Other area restaurants participating were Henry’s (Ottawa), Touches from the Heart (Glandorf), Campito Lindo (Bluffton) and the Bluffton Senior Citizens Center.

Maple Crest Senior Living Village (Bluffton) is part of Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio (MHCO), a non-profit, faith-based organization that provides compassionate care in a Christian environment.  For more information, call 419-358-1015 or visit mhcoliving.org

Photo – Tamar Augsburger (left) and Heather Cox of By Still Waters Bistro took first place in Maple Crest’s Soup Cook-off with their butternut squash soup.