Soup's On at Aliso Niguel Band Practice

Even in turbulent economic times, people like Bill Spivey find ways to make a difference.

Every Monday evening, Spivey voluntarily buys groceries, cooks soup, hauls it to the stadium at Aliso Niguel High School and serves it to students, parents and directors of ANHS' colorguard, band and drumline. In return, folks donate money for his soup and he raises funds for student scholarships.

Spivey's daughter graduated from the school in 2000. With no children currently enrolled, he still gives to the school.

This began a couple years ago when parents began bringing food to share at the practices, Spivey said.

"A couple of us who were alumni parents decided that we wanted to do something more for the program," said Spivey. "We started raising money for academic scholarships. So I decided to use the soup night as a way to collect some money."

A donation isn't required to receive soup during practices.

"I'll give people soup whether or not they put anything in the jar. The point is to raise money for the scholarships and it also helps bring parents out to watch their kids. And food is the great socializer. It helps bring people together and it makes the whole organization more of a family."

Spivey estimates that overall the program has raised close to $15,000 over the years.

"The soup money goes toward a scholarship fund for our seniors," said ANHS Band Director Dave Weinberg. "All of the seniors write a paper. The top three seniors with the best essays get the awards. Last year, three students got $500.00, $250.00 and $50.00."

ANHS percussion instructor Vince Terusa said Spivey's love for the program sparked his soup mission.

"He's one of the most dedicated parents that I've ever known. We love him," Terusa said.

Approximately 50 people show up for soup night.

"It's a good way for parents to come see the show, support the kids and get something to eat at the same time," ANHS Colorguard Instructor Jeff Sterrett said.

ANHS parent Rita Lun has two students in the program. She walked up to the stadium Monday night pulling a wheeled cooler full of French pork stew and rice.

"I do this for the kids. It's cold out here and they should have something warm to eat," Lun said.

The band, colorguard and drumline will perform in a field show competition at the ANHS stadium on Oct. 29. The evening also serves as a major fundraiser for the program.

To find out more about Bill Spivey's soup and scholarship program, click here.