Empty Bowls Event Brings Community Together for a Worthy Cause
February 12, 2024
The annual Empty Bowls event took place at CDH on February 7. This initiative, now in its 22nd year, continues to unite local restaurants, individuals, and a dedicated group of students in support of Heifer International's mission to end hunger and promote sustainable living. This year, the event raised over $7,000.00 to support the lifesaving work of Heifer International.
The day started with a lunch, featuring soup and bread donated by local establishments and individuals. Attendees had the opportunity to make a donation, with the proceeds going to Heifer International to aid those whose bowls remain empty. A highlight of the event was the Silent Auction, showcasing the latest Joe Mauer memorabilia and handmade ceramic bowls.
Empty Bowls continued in the evening from 4:30-6:30 pm, extending an open invitation to the community. The Nativity of our Lord School Band, under the direction of Mr. Christian Woeltge, performed at the event for the first time.
In the winter of 2002, Abby Nachtsheim ’05 and Jenny Kampa ’05 laid the foundation for Empty Bowls. Their goal was not merely to provide short-term assistance but to empower individuals, families, and communities to sustain themselves for a lifetime. This vision has guided Empty Bowls over the past two decades. Mr. Peter Gleich, CDH Campus Minister & Religion Teacher, who leads the Empty Bowls team, commented "Empty Bowls has become part of the fabric, part of the culture, part of what defines us at Cretin-Derham Hall. 22 years of Empty Bowls, started from the vision of two 9th grade Values students."
Empty Bowls has served over 2,000 gallons of soup, 20,000 buns, and sent 20,000 ceramic bowls home with grateful attendees. The generosity of the CDH community has been unwavering.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of students began planning the event as early as October, guided by Gleich, who said how much he enjoys watching, year after year, the leadership shown by the students who are part of the Empty Bowls Team. Lucy Cornett '24, Annabel Fulton '24, Michael Loeffler '24, Katie O’Donnell '24, Olivia Reeder '24, Josie Thomas '24, Hadley Beyerlein '25, Mickey Coenen '25, MJ Dougherty '25, Mark Loeffler '25, and Grace McSherry '25 were on this year's team.
Gleich and his team want to thank the following donors who provided the amazing soup, bread, ceramic bowls, silent auction items and music, as well as the many guests, student volunteers and CDH Staff without whom the 22 years of Empty Bowls wouldn't be possible.
- Mr. Chad Anderson
- At Last Gourmet Foods
- Axel's
- Carmelo's
- Caspers
- Colossal Cafe
- Copperfield
- Exchange Food and Drink
- Gabe's
- Kincaid's
- The Lexington
- Luci Ancora
- Plum's
- Shamrock's
- Tinucci's.
- Cafe Latte'
- Frame Minnesota
- Gertens Garden Center
- Leitner's Garden Center
- Mr. McGuire
- Nativity of our Lord School
- Ms. Norusis
- St. Patrick's Guild
- Tinucci's
- The Nativity Jazz Band, under the direction of Mr. Christian Woeltgen
As Empty Bowls continues to evolve, it welcomes new partners to join "Team Empty Bowls" and support Heifer International. Please contact Peter Gleich for details.