The Church of Bethesda by-the-Sea is hosting their 9th annual Empty Bowls Event where gourmet soup from local top chefs is served to raise money for the Palm Beach County Food Bank. According to The Palm Beach Post, the event will be held Friday, February 18 as a delivery or drive-thru lunch where guests can purchase their soup to help feed people in need. This effort to combat hunger has been a success over the past few years as it has raised thousands of dollars for the cause.
The soup served at the event will include the gourmet options of “Café Boulud’s lobster bisque, Buccan’s vegan black bean soup, Renato’s zuppa di lenticchie (lentil soup), The Breakers’ turkey chili and nine other soup options.” Each bowl of soup costs $25 and comes with bread, water, and a cookie. Guests can also choose to receive a handmade ceramic bowl with their order. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to the Palm Beach County Food Bank, which provides 200 local agencies with food donations. Last year, the event raised nearly $100,000 for the charity.
Hunger has been a growing concern in the Palm Beach community since COVID added to the stress of food insecurity for families. Rick Miessau, who co-chairs the event with his wife Cordella Miessau, shared that they want to make sure the members of their community who need help “feel seen and cared for,” as many are quiet about their struggles. According to The Palm Beach Post, “the hunger stats presented on the Food Bank’s website are alarming: One in six people in the county are deemed food-insecure and one in five local kids will ‘go to bed hungry tonight.’”
The Empty Bowls event gives the Palm Beach community a great opportunity to contribute to a cause with much needed attention. With the participation of local restaurants and businesses, the event has been an incredible success as thousands of dollars have been raised to help feed families in the community. With their continued efforts, The Church of Bethesda by-the-Sea is making a difference in the lives of the people in their community as compassion and generosity spread hope and gratitude.