Prince Frederick, MD – For over a decade and a-half a unique supper has been served in Calvert County. There always seems to be a line out the door, too, for this popular spring event. This year, the 16th annual Empty Bowl Supper will be held Saturday, April 2 at St. John Vianney Family Life Center.
This event is a blend of great food, the works of skilled artists, entertainment provided by a group of seasoned musicians and an overflowing trough of generosity from area residents who purchase tickets and bid on auction items with the aim of helping the homeless.
When describing what makes the Empty Bowl Supper such a success, Project ECHO Development Director Teressa Beavers sums it up in one word—“community. This event is successful because it’s a huge collaboration of organizations, businesses, churches, students, artists, residents, board members and everyone in between. It’s a pretty special thing to be a part of and I feel honored to be right in the middle of it.”
Project ECHO (Ecumenical Council for the Homeless) is the nonprofit organization that operates a 40-bed shelter in Prince Frederick for men, women and children. It’s foundation is an alliance of nearly 40 local churches who for nearly a quarter of a century have worked to provide emergency shelter, meals, transitional housing and other services to individuals and families who find themselves homeless.
“All the proceeds from our annual fundraisers go toward our primary mission of helping the homeless,” said Beavers. “The cost of providing 14,000 bed nights in one year is in itself worthy of an annual event like the Empty Bowl Supper.”
All of the food is donated. Beavers told The BayNet that at least 20 entities—restaurants, other businesses, organizations and individuals are donating the bounty of food for the three-hour supper. “It’s amazing,” she exclaimed. “We have several soups lined up including a vegetarian option that isn’t just boring old vegetable soup, two different kinds of chili, ribs, bread, salad, wings from two of the best places in the county and plenty of desserts: cakes, pies, cupcakes and cookies from nearly half a dozen different bakers. There will be something for everyone.”
The Empty Bowl Supper is a unique event that has been held for years in many different locations. The Calvert event follows the successful template established years ago in California. The empty bowls are made by artists from all over the region. Each ticket-holder to the supper gets to take a bowl home. “We have bowls coming from a few different pottery groups and some of them are pretty large,” said Beavers.\ “We’re probably looking at about 30 different artisans.”
In addition to ticket purchases, Project ECHO auctions off numerous donated items during a live and silent auction. “We have some really great items,” said Beavers, who explained the array includes “tickets to attend sporting events, live theatre, museums and movies. Also passes for interactive things like golf courses, paintball, water parks and even a much loved theme park in Florida. We have beautiful jewelry and art, sports memorabilia, gift certificates for fine dining, spa services and local shops. Again, we have something for everyone.”
Ticket prices are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. “We’re selling tickets early and pushing pre-sales because last year we nearly reached capacity and at the end of the night there was almost nothing left but empty bowls,” said Beavers.
The supper will be served from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Music while you dine, bid and mingle will be provided by the 503 Band.
To purchase tickets for the Empty Bowl Supper, contact Beavers at 443-684-0987 or call 410-535-0044.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com