Staff Report
Published July 21, 2010

Tracy Bender is the new president and CEO of the Souper Bowl of Caring, the effort that ties charitable giving to the biggest day in pro football.

The event’s board of directors cited Bender’s years of experience, hands-on leadership and passion for the mission. The national movement has generated $71 million for food banks, soup kitchens and other charities since its inception.

Bender replaces Souper Bowl of Caring founder and former Executive Director the Rev. Brad Smith, who in 2009 accepted a call to become senior pastor at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Columbia. Smith continues his involvement with the organization as chairman emeritus of the board of directors.

Bender worked alongside Souper Bowl of Caring founder Smith for five years, during which time she created the National Youth Advisory Board, a service leadership group comprised of 12 high school youth from across the nation.

During Bender’s years with the organization, yearly totals have increased from $4 million collected in 2005 to the more than $10 million the Souper Bowl of Caring has collected for the past three years.

“Tracy’s clear vision and gift for motivating young people have been a blessing to this mission of caring,” Smith said. “I am extremely proud and happy to pass this torch to her.”

Souper Bowl of Caring Board Chair Dave Peterson expressed his support of Bender’s appointment.

“Her enthusiasm for the mission combined with her expertise in communications and strategic planning make her ideal to lead and grow this organization,” Peterson said.

A graduate of the University of South Carolina’s College of Journalism with a Bachelor of Arts in advertising, Bender’s background includes experience in the public and private sectors. Her previous positions include account executive at Erwin Penland advertising agency in Greenville, director of marketing and development for the Special Olympics of South Carolina and Director of Public Relations at the Souper Bowl of Caring.