The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

UNDER the theme “Fighting Hunger Together”, Empty Bowls Bahamas held their first annual service of thanksgiving last week.

Giving thanks for what they have been able achieve so far, the group also used this opportunity to present various charitable organisations with the funds Empty Bowls has raised to help the less fortunate.

The service took place at the Holy Cross Anglican Church, Soldier Road, where members, volunteers and benefactors of Empty Bowls Bahamas and representatives of various non-government organisations were welcomed by Father Richard A Wood. The service was held in gratitude to God for His many blessings upon them.

Empty Bowls continues with its mission to make a significant difference in the lives of as many Bahamians as possible through its civic-minded and fundraising initiatives. Since its inception six years ago, it has become intricately involved in the community by supporting organisations that feed the hungry. Empty Bowls seeks to raise awareness of the importance of meeting the needs of the less fortunate within the country.

The organisation has harnessed the spirit of volunteerism from all sectors of society through its annual artistic, culinary and performing arts event. An international grassroots project, Empty Bowls raises money by offering unique handmade bowls with the purchase soup.

Assistance for the yearly event comes from persons of all ages, even as young as five years old. These volunteers not only develop sustainable skills in pottery making, but they also engage in team-building activities, and mass production clay bowl making workshops. They learn the various processes that go into the finished product of glazing and designing ceramic bowls.

The 2014 Empty Bowls event, which was held on February 23 at the Queen’s College Auditorium, featured the sale of Bahamian soups, which are served in the colourful, beautifully crafted, unique shaped bowls. Other culinary delights, books and Bahamian teas were also sold. Patrons also enjoyed a variety of family-fun activities, including local entertainment by Bahamian artists and groups, “Pottery on the Wheels’ lessons, a Photo Corner and face painting.

Funds raised go to assist charitable organisations who feed the hungry in the local communities.

Following last week’s thanksgiving service, the Empty Bowls Bahamas members said: “We salute and celebrate the work of Empty Bowls Bahamas and its team who reach out to others in their time of need. Reminded of Jesus’ words, ‘Whatsoever you have done to the least of these, you’ve done it unto Me’, Empty Bowls Bahamas is committed to reaching out to and enhancing the lives of the unfortunate in the Bahamas.”

At the service of thanksgiving, Alistair Stevenson, an Empty Bowls Bahamas member studying ceramics in China, shared an historical overview of the organisation, while another member, Janine Lampkin, read the scripture text taken from Matthew 25:35-40. The group’s legal advocate Toneika Russell gave a special rendition of a medley of songs, which was very gratifying to all. Bernadette Ellis was the moderator of the service Rev William Higgs, Pastor of Trinity Methodist Church, opened the service with the congregational singing of “Great is Thy Faithfulness”.

Joann Behagg, Empty Bowls Bahamas president, and Andrea Miller-Curling, assisted by Ms Ellis and Ampusam Symonette and members, presented cheques to several charitable organisations, including: Great Commission Ministries International; the Bahamas Conference of the Methodist Church; the Methodist Church of the Caribbean and the Americas; St Paul’s Church of Freeport, Grand Bahama, Trinity Methodist Church; Holy Cross Anglican Church; the Salvation Army; the Persis Rodgers Home for the Aged; Unity House; PACE; the Ambassador Chorale; Eljhays Hilltop Cottage Ministries; Abilities Unlimited; Stapledon School; Bilney Lane Children’s Home; the Children’s Emergency Hostel, and the Ranfurly Home for Children.

The service closed with a vote of thanks by Andrea Archer and the benediction by Rev Higgs. Healthy fruit snacks, which were donated by Janine Lampkin, were available to all after the service. Gratitude was the order of the day as Empty Bowls Bahamas members, volunteers, benefactors and donor recipients enjoyed the reciprocal benefits of volunteering and reaching out to the needy of the community. Members of the charity organisation are also inspiring people to think outside of the box and use whatever materials are at their disposal for the upcoming art exhibition entitled “It’s All About Bowls,” which opens this December. Ms Behagg said her imagination is running wild with ideas of what she believes people, whether veteran artists and beginners, will create.

She said anyone can make a bowl and is encouraging the participation of the general public in this exhibition.
The next Empty Bowls event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 22, 2015 at the Queen’s College Auditorium.