A very limited number of tickets remain for the ninth annual Soup Bowl Luncheon to benefit Wyoming CARES.

Tickets are $20 each and available by calling 237-7035 today.

The event on Nov. 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., features a variety of delicious, soul-warming soups and other deliciousness. And once the lunch is finished, patrons take home the handmade pottery bowl they've selected for their soup.

As with most nonprofits, Wyoming CARES has seen an increase in the number of people seeking its services, which include financial help for challenges ranging from getting a prescription filled to necessities after a house fire.

In its fiscal year that ended in March, the Casper-based state group helped 146 people. Since April, well over 100 have sought assistance.

"More people are definitely asking for help," said executive director Margaret Salisbury, who has headed the group since its incorporation.

"The most important thing for people to know is that people of all levels of income can -- and do -- apply. We're finding more and more middle income people who have nowhere to go for help. There's nothing out there for them."

As word of the soup bowl luncheon concept has grown, Salisbury said more and more artists -- and art teachers -- have wanted to become involved with crafting bowls.

"We're just so lucky. People are so good to us. We have the most gorgeous bowls -- some very artsy, some very traditional -- but everyone who comes seems to find just the bowl they want," she said.

This year, Salisbury expects bowls from Meeteetse High School, Evanston High School, Wyoming State Girls School in Sheridan, Independence High School in Rock Springs, First Christian Church in Sheridan, Campbell County High School, Shirley Sanderson Stephens of Pony Creek Pottery in Cody and Wind River High School.

Held at the Agricultural Resource Learning Center, 2011 Fairgrounds Road, the event reaches capacity at 216 and has sold out each year.

This year, Salisbury has had the additional challenge of seeking food donors for the event, which in the past had a guardian angel provide all of the food.

"I've gone all over and everyone has been supportive," Salisbury said.

Soups will include chicken artichoke from the Holiday Inn, tomato basil and potato bacon from Eggington's, and something from Poor Boys Steakhouse. And the Ramada Plaza Riverside has donated all of the brownies and cookies.

Last year, the event raised $6,500 and with the increase in people seeking help, Salisbury would be thrilled to reach that number once again.

In its nine years, Wyoming CARES has helped 894 infants, children, youth, adults and senior citizens in 85 communities in Wyoming.

Community News editor Sally Ann Shurmur can be reached at (307) 266-0520 or sallyann.shurmur@trib.com. Read Sal's blog at tribtown.trib.com/Sal/blog and follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/WYOSAS