Saline Soup Sunday was held Sunday afternoon in Benton. Several local restaurants held a cook off from 1130 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Northside Church of Christ Outreach Building at 917 N. East St. in Benton. Soup, chili and desserts were donated by a number of restaurants for the event.

Saline Soup Sunday ¯ which also includes a live dessert auction called "Shawna's Sweet Treats," is hosted by auctioneer Meg Thompson of Meg's Auction House. The event offers soups donated by La Valentina and Cajun Eatery restaurants as well as by individuals and local community groups who have either donated their goods or entered them into the cook off competition. In addition, Brown's Country Store and Restaurant, Dale's Donuts and Miss Helen's Cupcakery are donating desserts for the event; Firehouse Subs, Sav-A-Lot and Little Caesar's Pizza are donating cutlery, crackers and soup cups.

Saline Soup Sunday was organized by The Saline Courier and representatives from about a dozen other local organizations to raise funds for a new emergency assistance program for the needy in Saline County. Organizers said the entire staff was very excited about the opportunity to give back to the community and to kick off the holiday season with a great way to help others.