Clam chowder can be a divisive subject. Not everyone likes it, but those who do, like it a lot. That fondness won out Tuesday, as clam chowder earned a win for human kinetics in the Great Faculty Soup-off, a fundraising lunch for the United Way.

The event offered diners samples of eight soups, one served by each academic faculty, for a contribution of $8 to the charity. Patrons supped and sipped before voting for their favourites.

Doris Liu, a master’s student in education, said she found the timing propitious.

“The soup is warm for the winter, it’s a good meal for students heading into finals, and knowing it’s for charity sets the atmosphere for the holidays,” she said as she tried a cup of beef barley.

Sheri Lowrie, co-chair of the United Way campus campaign, announced that with a total of almost $93,000 in pledges before counting retiree supporters or Tuesday’s proceeds, donations will almost certainly top the $100,000 mark.

A prize draw for employee contributors handed out:

• a six-month campus parking pass to Sarah Cats;
• a one-year membership to the Forge Fitness Centre to Theresa Whelan;
• three-play subscriptions to University Players to Nancy McNevin and Laura Mclean;
• tickets to a School of Creative Arts concert to Laurie Soulliere; and
• an extra day’s vacation to Marnie Kuhn.

Kuhn said the prize was an unexpected bonus.

“The United Way is a terrific organization that does so much good in our community,” she said. “I’m happy to support it.”

Learn more about the United Way on the website for its campus campaign.