Empty Bowl

fund-raiser

is March 19

PUTNAM — Once again the Congregational Church of Putnam (Mission Outreach) and Sawmill Pottery are teaming up with local businesses and restaurants on behalf of the Daily Bread Food Pantry, a key service of Interfaith Human Services of Putnam (IHSP), to host the Empty Bowl Project – an international grassroots effort to fight hunger.

The Fifth Annual Empty Bowl Project fund-raiser will take place March 19 at the Putnam Elks Lodge on Edmond Street. There are two seatings: 4:45 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Tickets are $20 and are available at Sawmill Pottery, 112 Main Street, (860) 963-7807, or by calling the church office at (860) 928-4405. Many IHSP board members also have tickets. The event always sells out.

Unable to stay for dinner? Just buy the bowl - all proceeds will benefit the Daily Bread Food Pantry.

The idea behind the Empty Bowl Project is a simple one. Community members are invited to a simple meal of soup and bread, provided by local restaurants and local cooks. In exchange for a cash donation, guests keep their hand-crafted soup bowl as a reminder of all of the empty bowls in the world. Funds raised are donated to an organization like Daily Bread, “working to end hunger and food insecurity.”

In Putnam, participants will choose from one of 200 bowls created and donated by local artisans at Sawmill Pottery, including owner Dot Burnworth, before enjoying a hearty soup provided local restaurants or community chefs. Delicious breads and sumptuous desserts will also be served.

In 2012, the Empty Bowls Supper raised just over $3,000 for Daily Bread. Sawmill Pottery made nearly 200 bowls for the event. There was only one seating and folks were lined up out the door of the Congregational Church, all the way to Cargill Chevrolet, waiting patiently, for their chance to taste local soups and breads. Since then, this community event has only grown in popularity and support. Last year, more than $5,000 was raised!

Terri Pearsall, organizer with the Congregational Church, is looking forward to this year’s event. “I am excited,” she said, “and looking forward to an event greater amount being raised than last year!” Pearsall also expressed her gratitude to the Putnam Business Association for supporting this collaborative, local effort to serve those in need.