‘Souper’ Empty Bowls fundraiser tackles hunger one ladle at a time

October 17, 2014 · 0 Comments

Join in the soup line at the Alton Mill Arts Centre for the fifth annual Empty Bowls event.
Food lovers, local artisans, restaurants and caterers are set to raise funds for local food banks in Orangeville and Caledon this coming Sunday (Oct. 19).
At this popular, soup kitchen style gathering, guests purchase a handcrafted ceramic bowl, enjoy a tasty soup, and at the end of the meal, they get to take home their bowl. This year, the gourmet soups will be prepared by six area restaurants and catering chefs.
“Empty Bowls is a cool concept where people get to try great soup, take ownership of their bowls, and support a really good cause,” said Owen Vulpe of Shaw’s Creek Café in Alton.
Vulpe plans to prepare a deep, hearty flavoured, roasted potato soup.
Other soups to be featured at Empty Bowls will be prepared by Dave the Butcher (Orangeville), The Friendly Chef Adventures (Erin), Lavender Blue Catering (Orangeville), Saucy Girl Foods (Orangeville) and Soup Girl (Caledon).
Lunch is served between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dinner is from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Rounding out the meal will be artisan breads from 100 Acre Bakery (Hockley Valley).
“The display of bowls will be replenished throughout the day, so all guests will have an opportunity to find the perfect bowl,” commented potter Ann Randeraad, founder of the Empty Bowls Alton event. “There will be a variety of styles. Besides raising funds, I hope these bowls will also raise awareness about hunger in our own community – a gentle reminder that not everyone has a full bowl every day.”
Once again, the fare and the bowls are all donated by the chefs and potters. Other sponsors include Dawn Friesen Graphic Design, Woolwich Dairy, Mono Print and Graphics, Cedar and Stone Floral Studio, and Scotiabank at 97 First St. Orangeville, which has agreed to match all funds raised up to $5,000.
Tickets are $35. Last year, Empty Bowls raised more than $13,000. This year, the team — the potters, chefs and the volunteer crew — hopes to raise even more. All proceeds from the event support local food programs at Caledon Community Services and the Food Cupboard at Westminster United Church, Orangeville.
Tickets are on sale now at Ann Randeraad, Studio 209 at the Alton Mill Arts Centre (519-938-2092); Bridget Wilson, Studio 208 (416-505-1867); Scotiabank, 97 First St., Orangeville (519-941-5561); Dave the Butcher, 75 Alder St. at Riddell Road (519-415-6328); and Booklore, 121 First St., Orangeville (519-942-3830).
Advance ticket purchase is strongly advised.