Empty Bowls tops goal

While the mention of charity events may conjure up visions of slapping gray food on plates in a hairnetted huff, Empty Bowls offered students a night of food with family and friends.

In the spirit of the approaching holiday season, National Art Honor Society sponsored the Empty Bowls program on Monday, Nov. 9. The event took place in the main campus sophomore cafeteria for an hour and a half beginning at 6 p.m.

National Art Honor Society members spent weeks preparing.

“It’s a big thing for us,” sophomore Ainee Jeong said.

Attendees paid $10 for a ticket, which entitled them to a hot meal and a ceramic bowl. National Art Honor Society students had as much food donated as possible to ensure a large profit to donate to charity. Much of the soup served was made by families of National Art Honor society members and ranged from chicken noodle to chili.

The proceeds benefit the Good Samaritan Network of Hamilton County. The money will be used to purchase meat products, which will feed needy families in Hamilton County on Thanksgiving.

“It’s really just giving back to the community,” senior and National Art Honor Society president Elli Miller said.

The bowls were chosen by ticket holders. They were all handcrafted, mostly by freshmen, and then glazed by National Art Honor Society members at the main campus.

Students, parents, and teachers showed up to support the cause. Student artwork was displayed around the cafeteria to be viewed by visitors. A live band headed by faculty members entertained the crowd with music.

Upon arriving, guests were able to pick a handmade bowl to take home. They then could go through the serving line to receive their soup, bread, drink, and dessert.

The tables in the cafeteria were covered with construction paper and adorned with paper hand prints made by National Art Honor Society students. Crayons were placed in the middle of each table so that guests could express their creativity through doodles.

Aside from the charitable aspect of the program, students also used the night to spend time with friends.

“I thought Empty Bowls was a fantastic way to raise money and provide a fun night out, so I got some friends together and we decided to go. I also announced it at my church,” sophomore Sarah Line said. She attended the event with sophomores Breanna Frailey and Julie Goodwin and junior Russ Goodwin.

Nancy Chance, executive director of the Good Samaritan Network of Hamilton county, attended the event and made a small speech to those in attendance.

Two years ago when the program debuted, the community came together to raise $900 for hungry families.

This year, the goal was to raise at least $1000. Mrs. Kate Vasey, faculty sponsor of National Art Honor Society, confirmed that the goal was topped this year, and 125 tickets were sold altogether.

“It was great. We had a great turnout and a ton of help from people within the school and National Art Honor Society parents,” Vasey said.