“More than 1,000 bowls of all shapes, sizes, and colors filled the Dining Room of Grey Towers Castle on November 12th during the 25th annual Empty Bowl Benefit Dinner,” according to a statement from Arcadia University.  The event was “hosted by Arcadia University’s Community and Civic Engagement Center.”

The Community and Civic Engagement Center of Arcadia University explained that attendees participated by choosing “a ceramic bowl, handcrafted by a community member, to be used as their soup bowl for the evening.  The bowl [would then be]…filled with wonderful soups donated by area businesses, restaurants, and individuals from Arcadia University and the surrounding community.  The bowl [would]…then taken home to serve as a reminder that for many people around the world, an empty bowl is the reality of their mealtime.”

“Since the event’s inception, Arcadia University has raised nearly $150,000 for regional, national, and international organizations,” the statement from Arcadia University continued.  “This year, proceeds support Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network, an agency that provides temporary shelter and food to homeless families, and Rise Against Hunger, an international program that provides crisis response, nutritious meals, and empowerment initiatives to those affected by natural disasters and those in impoverished areas.”

A number of students, staff, area neighbors, and others participated in this civic endeavor.

“The future of Empty Bowl is really unlimited,” said alumna Ms. Christine Friis.  “It’s grown every year, so to celebrate 25 years is magnificent.  I think it only has upward to go as an opportunity to continue serving the hungry and homeless in the Philadelphia area.”

The photographs and video are courtesy of Arcadia University, 2018.