And your 2025 Gourmet Soup Kitchen winner is …

Concordia College President Colin Irvine! His Norwegian fish soup dazzled the crowd, which crowned him the winner.

Concordia College President Colin Irvine, right, was named the 2025 Gourmet Soup Kitchen winner.

Soup, spirit and support. Those three words describe the atmosphere at Churches United’s 2025 Gourmet Soup Kitchen Thursday evening at Dakota Medical Foundation.

Eleven chefs from the community came forward to battle it out for the Gourmet Soup Kitchen title, and the audience crowned Concordia College President Colin Irvine the winner for his delicious Norwegian fish soup.

While the event was a fundraiser for Churches United, it was also much more. It was a celebration of the community that stood by us during hardship and is now propelling us into a new chapter of caring for our neighbors in need.

In that spirit, Churches United CEO Pastor Devlyn Brooks took the time to recognize the people who have supported Churches United’s mission during the past year of uncertainty, and well before that time.

Brooks presented Churches United board member Jess Spieker Ferden with an award, recognizing her determination and commitment to helping CU navigate its most difficult period in 2024.

Churches United’s Chief Human Resources Office, Michelle Jimenez, was named employee of the year, recognizing her contributions in the day-to-day operations of CU and the impact she has had on staff and the organization as a whole.

New this year was the Heart and Hustle Award, which was given to Addie Loerzel and her nonprofit, Spread Your Sunshine. For four years, Spread Your Sunshine has hosted monthly events at Bright Sky Apartments, aimed at creating fun memories for children and families. Whether it is a Halloween party or an art class, Spread Your Sunshine has put smiles on the faces of so many children who may be experiencing hardship.

A new video was also debuted during the event, featuring several Churches United employees and the people assisted by CU. The video outlines Churches United’s mission and the work we do. You can watch it here.

Speaking to the crowd on Thursday, Brooks extended his gratitude not just to the people in the room, but to all of those who have supported Churches United and continue to support it as it provides safe shelter, stable housing, nutritious food and a path toward healing.

“We have a stable budget. We opened a 36-unit apartment complex that caters specifically to folks 55 and older who have experienced long-term homelessness,” Brooks said. “We’re here tonight. We have rebooted our annual Gourmet Soup Kitchen that so many of you love. And by the end of this fiscal year, Churches United will have a savings account. That’s a pretty good year. And it’s all because of people like you.”

Brooks also thanked the event’s numerous sponsors and Dakota Medical Foundation for its support and for providing the venue for Thursday’s festivities.

“Right now, more than anything, we need to build community,” Brooks said. “That’s what’s going to draw us together … So pour your hearts into those things that mean the most to you and let that draw us closer together.”