Empty Bowls

I have already discussed the upcoming Tug of War on Sunday on the Green Island Bridge, but there is another important and exciting event taking place in Troy as well.

The 3rd Annual Empty Bowls fundraiser is set to take place this Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. at the Italian Community Center. For those that do not know, this is an event in which the proceeds benefit food pantries in the City of Troy, including: Bethany Center, Commission on Economic Opportunity, Hope 7 Community Center, Joseph’s House, St. Mary’s Food Pantry, The Rourke Center, Troy Damian Center, Unity House, Italian Community Center, Troy Larger Parish Food Pantry and Troy Y.W.C.A.

There are two aspects of this event that are truly amazing. The first is that local artists are busy as we speak creating 1,200 unique bowls for the event. When you walk into the ICC on Sunday and see hundreds of bowls spread across a group of tables, it is an amazing sight. When you take into account that they were all donated, it is even more impressive.

A ticket to the event will get you your very own bowl that you are allowed to personally choose. Which leads us to the second truly wonderful aspect of this event, the participating restaurants. Once you purchase the bowl you are then invited to try one of the many soups, chowders or stews from one of the many participating restaurants.

Who will be there? At the very least The Ale House, Jackie Baldwin, DeFazio’s Imports & Pizzeria, Flavour’s Café & Lounge, Italian Community Center, LoPorto’s, Miele’s Café, Patricelli’s Deli, Francesca’s, Carmen’s Café, Illium Café, Jose Malone’s, Muza’s Diner, Potters Tavern at Sterup Square and Tosca.

Admission to this event is $10, and it obviously goes to a great cause.

If you need more information, you should contact Barbara Reely at claywomn@aol.com. Barbara puts in a ton of work, along with many others to ensure this event is success, and I want to offer her early congratulations on what I am sure will be a remarkable turnout. Here's a hint, get there early, the soup and the bowls go fast.

Before I stop, let me say that this is one of those events that truly brings out the best in the City of Troy. It has nothing to do with politics, or a specific group. It is about everyone pitching in to help those in most need of it. It is what we are all about and I am proud to be a part of it.

Harry