We trudged upstream against a tide of chattering youngsters who were carrying treats and projects in their hands, rushing toward their parents with a mild and sunny Sunday afternoon awaiting them. Jennifer and I were headed in the opposite direction, indoors, to partake in a local endeavor to raise funds to fight hunger.
We purchased our meal tickets inside Congregation Etz Chaim in Lombard and entered a room filled with welcoming warmth and graciousness. Volunteers generously ladled hearty soup into disposable bowls, inviting us to take some bread and directing us to where we could help ourselves to drinks. We balanced our food – along with our chosen ceramic bowls – as we searched for empty seats, taking in the tantalizing aroma of hot soup amid the din of conversation.
My soup choice, minestrone, was flavorful and filling. Jennifer and I chatted, as mothers and daughters do, and we shared casual conversations with good folks around us who were participating in this worthy fundraiser whose mission is to fight hunger in Du Page County.
The ceramic bowls were hand crafted by local artisans and children of the temple. I believe they were made at Congregation Etz Chaim then taken to be fired in a kiln elsewhere. Every bowl was unique and personal to the craftsperson who made it. I imagined experienced potters and young students trying their hand at pottery for the first time. Our ticket purchase allowed each of us to select a bowl from a colorfully unique array of choices.
The green bowl was my choice. Actually, I think I was the bowl’s choice. It seemed to call to me to pick it up, run my hand along the rim, and take it as my own. I know I will cherish it and that it will remain a tactile, visual, useful reminder that there are those among us who suffer with hunger – and those among us who strive to eradicate it. It will remind me of the blessings that are the hearts that conceived this fundraiser, of the hands that prepared the meal, of the hosts and hostesses who welcomed diners to Congregation Etz Chaim and of the supporting local organizations that have a hand in shepherding this project. It will also be a reminder of my own blessings and of the urgent need to feed all God’s children.
The Garry Gardner Memorial Bowls for Hunger Project is an “Empty Bowls Project”. The “Empty Bowls Project” is an international grassroots effort to raise both money and awareness in the fight to end hunger. The mission is to create positive and lasting change through the arts, education, and projects that build. community. *
*From Congregation Etz Chaim’s website which can be found here.
A lovely project and a nice bowl too♥
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It is. I was humbled by being there and I hope that more communities take up projects such as this. Thank you for your comment.
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A great fundraiser for sure!
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I am glad we could share the experience, Jennifer.
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Such a reality based concept that is a reminder of where we should place our priorities. It always makes me sad to remember that there are millions of people who go to bed hungry. The bowl is lovely, as is your relationship with your daughter. She will have the bowl as a memory of the day and what you have taught her. This is a perfect day for the subtle reminder.
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Quite true, Marilyn. It makes me sad as well, especially when it is children going hungry, though there are so many. Thank you, Marilyn. It will be a nice memory for both of us – and a reminder of what is important, especially today. I am grateful for what we have, and that Jennifer and I could share this together.
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Such a beautiful and worthwhile project! The soup looks heartwarming and delicious. 🙂
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It was both, Linda, and a very worthwhile project. I hope we can attend again next year.
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A beautiful idea — and you chose/the bowl chose well.
i’m a little sad today, but know we will survive because of kindness .
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I agree, Sallie, and I hope we can partake in this and contribute to this cause again next year.
Me too. 😦 Sad and stunned, but, thinking about this, you were probably seeing this play out before votes were tabulated on the west coast. Today was a bit of a rough day, but, it is what it is. Here’s to better days, hope, and a future where no one goes hungry.
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What a wonderful idea and what a beautiful bowl. I am also sad and stunned.
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I thought it was a wonderful idea as well, Gerlinde and a way to be more mindful of hunger, which is a daily human struggle for so many. I am trying to focus on hopeful and healing today – so far, I’m not doing too well. 😦
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What a gorgeous bowl. And a worthy cause.
I hope you’re doing well, Penny. I’m saddened and shocked. But God still reigns ultimately.
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Yes, indeed; on both counts. This is such a meaningful, worthy endeavor, L. Marie.
I am doing pretty well, thank you for asking and thank you for putting all our worries in His hands.
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I’ve never heard of this particular hunger project, Penny, but what a worthwhile and interesting way to contribute to a worthy fundraising! I love the green bowl and I’ve actually been thinking about minestrone soup. We are finally enjoying some soup weather. 🙂 This is a lovely focus and fits well with where my thinking takes me this week. For those of us who are truly upset with the way our world is spinning, the need to focus on others seems to take on more importance. I told someone today that I think some of us have been jolted awake with fresh reminders that if we want to make our piece of life more habitable, it’s going to be up to us to contribute a great deal more. What could be just a bowl of soup in a beautiful container is much more than that, and I think we can all be more mindful of similar opportunities. I hope you have a gentle weekend, Penny.
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I just discovered it myself, Debra. I saw it on a friend’s FB feed, found it to be such an interesting, meaningful way to help others, and am so pleased that Jennifer and I could go. Believe it not, we are at long last into soup weather here, too. We have had a very mild and pleasant Autumn and the leaves are still turning and falling. 🙂 I’m glad you are having soup weather, Debra. Minestrone is such a hearty soup, with all those vegetables and flavors working together, a bit of a metaphor for what all should be doing.
You, too Debra. I am sitting here, morning, the sun streaming in, temps in the 30’s, counting the days left in the boot! It is peaceful here, this morning, and tomorrow afternoon we are meeting up with some very dear friends and going to see a certain Minnesotan that you saw a few months back. 🙂
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What a good cause to support. The minestrone looks delicious, and the bowl a nice keepsake.
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It was delicious, Juliet, and I’ve used the bowl several times already (though mostly for grapes and nuts). It is, indeed, a good cause.
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A great cause and a gorgeous bowl!
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I think you would have enjoyed this event, Janet. The temple was the one that Diane R and Sharon S’s belong to. I first read about it on Diane’s FB page and decided to check it out. A really good cause.
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Love Empty Bowls Project! I teach high school art in New Jersey and I have done this, very successful and kids love it!
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What a wonderful project to do with students! I love it! Thank you not only for sharing your own Empty Bowls Project involvement with kids, but for stopping by and taking the time to comment. It is appreciated.
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Lovely! I just posted an Empty Bowls Lesson that I did a few years ago. I love this project and I love how kids are able to tie their art together with the rest of the world!
Megan
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I just read your post, Megan, and it warmed my soul. What a worthy project for not only your students, but, all in your school that participated by sharing soup and bowls for such a worthy cause. Thank you for stopping by today, for commenting, and for making the world a better place. 🙂
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Interesting story, and great progress!
discoverlearnprogress.wordpress.com/
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Thank you.
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