Why We Gather
Thank you for saying yes to IDignity and joining us for the 2027 Souper Douper.
IDignity is a nonprofit that helps individuals obtain legal identification documents.
Each year, IDignity hosts the Souper Douper to raise funds to support individuals in obtaining legal identification, an important first step toward stability, opportunity, and independence.
We’re excited to welcome you into a group of seven chefs coming together for a fun, high-energy evening of cooking, connection, and friendly competition.
Souper Douper is a two-hour immersive tasting experience, featuring a live one-hour chef competition, where over 350 guests and three judges sample soups and vote for their favorites.
We’re so grateful to have you join us.
Step-by-Step Information
We’ve outlined everything below to keep things simple, clear, and easy from start to finish.
1. Confirm Your Participation
Once you have spoken with our team, please complete this quick digital registration to officially confirm your participation.
2. Create Your Signature Soup
Design a soup that reflects your culinary style.
Over a one-hour period, you’ll be serving approximately 350 guests. To help ensure smooth, quick, efficient service, we recommend keeping garnishes and finishing touches simple and easy to execute.
Please submit your soup name and description by September 15, 2026 using the form.
3. Design Your Table Theme
We’d love your station to feel like an extension of your creativity.
You’re welcome to design a simple, fun theme inspired by your soup, your restaurant, or your culinary story. This helps create a more engaging experience for guests as they move through the event.
- A custom banner will be created using your submitted materials
- You’re encouraged to bring décor to personalize your station
- Décor can be dropped off with soup delivery
- Chef assistants will support setup
4. Promotional Video Experience
Our production manager, Ben, will schedule a 1-hour visit at your restaurant, which includes:
- A short interview about your restaurant and story
- Behind-the-scenes cooking footage
- Light production setup and wrap
You’ll have the opportunity to view the final video before it’s shared, and you’re welcome to use it on your own platforms.
Watch one of 2025’s promotional videos!
5. Soup Preparation & Delivery
Please prepare approximately nine gallons of soup in your commercial kitchen.
Drop-Off Location:
Sheraton Orlando North
600 North Lake Destiny Road
Maitland, Florida, 32751
Delivery Window:
March 10 or March 11, 2027
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Use secure, commercial-grade containers
- Clearly label all containers with restaurant and soup name
- Ensure soup is ready for refrigeration upon arrival
6. Event Day Schedule
March 11, 2027
- 3:45 PM – Chef Assistants Arrive
- 4:00 PM – Chef Check-In (Lobby)
- Chef Concierge will guide you to your station
Your station includes:
- 6-foot linened table
- Signage
- Soup pot and heated grate
- Serving cups, spoons, napkins, ladle
- Three chef assistants
- Commemorative IDignity chef apron
You will be able to heat your soup during set up.
7. Event Experience & Competition
- 5:30 PM – Group Chef Photo
- 5:45 PM – Doors open
- 6:00–7:00 PM – Live Soup-Off Competition
During the competition:
- Guests sample soups from each chef
- Guests will vote for “People’s Choice” using tokens they receive at check-in
- Judges will sample soups and vote for “Most Unique” and “Critics’ Choice”
8. Awards & Evening Program
- 7:00 PM – Competition ends and awards are announced
- Chefs and judges are invited on stage for recognition
- We encourage you to stay for the IDignity program (8:00 PM Event concludes)
- Your decor items will be packed, and stations will be cleared by chef assistants after program begins
August – September: Chef onboarding
September 15, 2026: Soup name and description due
October – November 2026: Chef promotional video filming
January 2027: Final event preparation and logistics check-in call
February 2027: Final reminders and participation confirmation
March 10 – 11, 2027: Soup delivery window (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
March 11, 2027: Souper Douper Event Night
The Night of the Event:
4:00 PM: Chef check-in
6:00 –7:00 PM: Live Soup-Off competition
7:00 PM: Awards & event program
Frequently Asked Questions
> How many guests will be attending?
Approximately 350 guests, including community leaders, supporters, and food enthusiasts.
> How much soup should I prepare?
Approximately nine gallons per chef, served in tasting portions throughout the event.
> What time should I arrive on event day?
Chef check-in begins at 4:00 PM on March 11, 2027. Our Chef Concierge will greet you and guide you to your station.
> Can I bring décor or branding for my station?
Absolutely. We encourage you to personalize your space in a way that reflects your restaurant, your soup, or your culinary style.
> Will I have help at my station?
Yes. Each chef will be supported by three dedicated assistants to help with setup, service, and cleanup.
> How many chefs are participating?
Seven featured Celebrity Chefs.
> Are equipment and supplies provided?
Yes. Each station will be fully set with the equipment and service items needed for a smooth service experience
> Will refrigeration be available?
Yes. Refrigeration will be available onsite. We ask that you deliver your soup prior to the event on the designated date and time. See #5 Soup Preparation and Delivery above.
> Do I need to stay for cleanup?
No. Our team and venue staff will handle breakdown and cleanup after the event.
> Will I receive photos or video from the event?
Yes. Professional photography and video will be shared with participating chefs after the event.
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