CORNWALL, Ontario – Some lucky diners in Cornwall were treated to a top chef quality soup lunch on Sunday. The Agape Centre and Scotiabank teamed up on Sunday, November 13 to to fill the bowls of 90 generous event attendees. Tickets were $30 and available in advance. All funds raised went directly into supporting the Agape Centre, and its many initiatives helping the underprivileged in our community.
“It’s a way to bring people together and create some awareness,” said executive director Diane Plourde. “We’re hoping that people will have fun with it, and we’re hoping to expand again next year.”
Each event goer receive a bowl they get to take home with them, hand crafted by local artisans. A silent auction was also underway throughout the event’s three separate seatings, at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., and 1 p.m..
On hand to prepare the soup were some of Cornwall’s finest chefs. Joining Ludwik Piotrowski were Love Love Food’s Tony Lakroix, and NAV Canada’s Luke McCabe, of former Master Chef fame. Ann Marlin of Marlin’s Orchard kickstarted the event after reaching out to the Agape Centre, and collecting the bowls and reaching out to potters.
Empty Bowls events are popular across North America, as they promote shared meals and communal spaces, local artisans, and the event goers get a momento of the fight against hunger.
“It’s a fundraiser that many food banks across Canada undertake to help raise funds. The concept is really simple, we have potters who donate bowls, and everyone goes home with the empty bowl as a reminder about those who often have empty bowls,” said volunteer Kendra Smith
“For us, this was successful as we’d hoped, with all our tickets selling out. It’s the first time an event like this has been hosted in Cornwall, and people are leaving, saying they had a great time.”
