Making and eating soups made from the autumn harvest is usually a signal that fall is here. Tidal Arts Centre is organizing an event called the Empty Bowl Initiative to raise money for the Powell River Action Centre Food Bank, on October 19, at the Carlson Community Club, beginning at 5 pm.
Owner of Wildwood Pottery, and head of the ceramics department at Tidal Arts Centre, Shivaun Gingras said the inspiration to bring soup and potters together for a good cause was Tidal founder Nancy Jeakins’s initiative after she attended an Empty Bowls event while overseas.
"Empty Bowls is an international initiative and the money raised is often donated to soup kitchens, food banks and other organizations that fight hunger," said Gingras. "In our [Tidal Arts Centre] case, 100 per cent of the proceeds will be going to our local food bank."
More than 20 local potters are creating and donating bowls for the fundraiser that participants can keep. Several restaurants and chefs, plus a cooking club, will be making a variety of vegan, vegetarian and non-vegetarian soups that people can choose from. Bread will also be provided by two hometown bakers.
"Come grab a bowl first, and you can pick from your favourite local maker, or maybe a bowl that inspires you," said Gingras. "Then, take your bowl up to whichever restaurant/chef you want to try, so it's a great way to highlight some of our local cuisine and our local artists."
Some soup makers participating may sound familiar, such as Wild Soup, which started up only last year, but was a big hit in the community, and Blue Agave Tequila Grill, also fairly new on the scene, will be participating. A cookbook club called Table for Six, started by Vanessa Sparrow, will also be there, with some homemade soup made by club members.
“We've raised $4,000 in ticket sales [already] for the food bank, and we will also have a silent-auction table at the event," said Gingras. "Lots of local artists and also artists from out-of-town who have been involved at the Title Arts Centre through our residency program will also contribute art for the auction."
Musician Lukah Bouchard will be playing while people eat and gather while supporting the local economy, and at the same time, raising funds for those in need. Gingras said they hope to make this event an annual one.
To find out more go to the Tidal Arts Centre website, tidalartcentre.com/post/empty-bowl-fundraiser, or contact Gingras at [email protected].
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