The Empty Bowl Luncheon will be held in the Wilson Room, outside Henry’s Café, Thursday, Dec. 5, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. All proceeds will benefit Schoolcraft’s food pantry.
In the fall semester of 2023, about 19 students used the food pantry. As the 2024 fall semester comes to a close, that number has increased to 55 students, highlighting the growing need on campus. Last year, the Empty Bowl Luncheon raised approximately $3,000, and with demand rising rapidly, organizers are hopeful for an even larger turnout this year.
The Empty Bowl Luncheon has been a Schoolcraft tradition for decades, currently organized by Todd Stowell, Director of Student Activities. The event began in the early 2000’s, to raise funds for a Catholic charity run by Sister Joan, who operated St. Leo’s Soup Kitchen in Detroit. Schoolcraft students would volunteer their time to assist in the soup kitchen.
In 2011, it was decided to help Schoolcraft students better with an on-campus food pantry. Since then, proceeds from the Empty Bowl Luncheon have been used to keep the pantry stocked. Robert Bielat, the former ceramics professor at Schoolcraft from 2000 to 2015, was essential in helping raise funds for the cause. After Bielats’ passing in 2018, his wife Veronica, established The Robert Bielat Memorial Scholarship, which is available to students who are in ceramics or in 3D sculpture.
Sophie Neslund, the current professor of the ceramics department, donates her time for the Empty Bowl Luncheon. Neslund involves students helping in the process of building and glazing bowls for the event..
Sherry Springer, a Schoolcraft graduate who fell in love with the college and worked as the Student Activities Coordinator until retirement in 2009. Springer was essential in helping establish the Empty Bowl Luncheon.
In addition to the Ceramics and the Student Activities Offices, the Culinary Operations department also has a necessary role in the charity. Each year, they provide a vegetable-based soup, along with a variety of bread.
Many attendees purchase bowls, created by students in the ceramics classes. After purchasing the bowls, patrons can grab some soup and enjoy your ceramic piece made by a Schoolcraft student. Each piece is priced by the Student Activities Office. Depending on how intricate and detailed the piece, prices range from $10 – $55. Typically these bowls are purchased as holiday gifts for family and friends.
We hope to see you there!
