First Annual Empty Bowl Event 2009

On March 1, 2009 the first Annual Empty Bowl Event was held at St. Bruno's Parish Hall in South Greensburg.   Over 700 bowls were made and donated by students from local school districts including Norwin, Mt. Pleasant, Hempfield, Greensburg Salem, Jeannette, Penn Trafford, Greensburg Central Catholic, as well as Queen of Angels and Aquinas Academy.  Additionally, over 250 bowls were painted and donated by children, scout troops, and adults at the Crafty Shack. 

The following restaurants donated soup; Ligionier Tavern, Maggie Mercantile, Don Pasquilinos, Hoss Steak House, Smokey Bones, Eat'n Park, Panera Bread, Stratigoes, Banquets Unlimited, and Chef Steven Hill, from Westmoreland Country Club. Chef Steven Hill oversaw the soup heating and serving and donated several items as well as his time and expertise. 

Two very generous restaurants were Eat'n Park and Panera Bread. Eat'n Park donated soup and several major items needed for the event including take out containers, butter pats, creamers, garbage bags, and gloves. Panera Bread donated baguettes, soup and soup spoons.  The rest of the paper items came from the generosity of the parents of Stage Right (performing arts school) students.

Stage Right coordinated performers throughout the day featuring Laurel Ballet and the Stage Right Sensations.

WCCC culinary arts students made buns as did the votech culinary arts students.  The Votect also sent three of its students to work with Chef Steve for the day. 

A warm thanks to everyone who crafted bowls, attended the event, donated soup, bread, auction items, paper products, time and money.Your generosity helped us to raise $7,000 dollars!  Again, thank you for helping to feed the hungry in Westmoreland County. We look forward to seeing you at this year's event!