Empty Bowls Marks 24 Years of Fighting Hunger and Building Community
February 12, 2025
Cretin-Derham Hall hosted its annual Empty Bowls event on February 5, marking its 24th year of bringing together students, local restaurants, and community members to support Heifer International’s mission of ending hunger and promoting sustainable living. This year, the event raised more than $6,000 to help those in need.
The day began with a lunchtime gathering, where attendees enjoyed soup and bread donated by local businesses and individuals. Donations collected went directly to Heifer International, helping provide food and resources to those whose bowls remain empty. A highlight of the event was the Silent Auction, which featured the latest Joe Mauer memorabilia alongside handmade ceramic bowls crafted by students and community members.
The event continued into the evening from 4:30 to 6:30 pm, welcoming the whole community to participate. Guests enjoyed live music from the CDH Jazz Band, directed by Mr. Teddy Williams, as well as solo performances from talented students.
A Tradition Rooted in Student Leadership
Empty Bowls was founded in the winter of 2002 by Abby Nachtsheim ’05 and Jenny Kampa ’05 with a vision to not only provide aid but to empower individuals, families, and communities with sustainable solutions. Over the past two decades, that vision has flourished. Mr. Peter Gleich, CDH Campus Minister & Religion Teacher, who leads the Empty Bowls team, reflected on the event’s legacy:
"Empty Bowls has become part of the fabric, part of the culture, part of what defines us at Cretin-Derham Hall. Twenty-four years later, the vision of two 9th-grade Values students continues to make a lasting impact."
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of students began planning in October, ensuring the event’s continued success. This year’s Empty Bowls Team included:
Seniors: Hadley Beyerlein '25, Mickey Coenen '25, MJ Dougherty '25, Mark Loeffler '25, Grace McSherry '25
Juniors: Nico Cortez-Orme '26, Mary Jensen '26, Ellen Kovats '26, Olivia Laughlin '26, Alexa Wahlberg '26
Sophomores: Carolynn Ek '27, Lauren Fairbairn '27, Greta Johnson '27, Ellie McQuillan '27, Meghan Muckala '27, Anna Snustad '27
A Community Effort
The success of Empty Bowls would not be possible without the generous support of local businesses, CDH faculty and staff, student volunteers, and the many attendees who contribute each year. Special thanks to the following donors who provided soup, bread, ceramic bowls, silent auction items, and music:
- At Last Gourmet Foods
- Cafe Latte'
- Caspers
- Colossal Cafe
- Copperfield
- Exchange Food and Drink
- Frame Minnesota
- Gabe's
- Gertens Garden Center
- Kincaid's
- Leitner's Garden Center
- The Lexington
- Luci Ancora
- MN Historical Society
- Plum's
- St. Patrick's Guild
- Shamrock's
- Strudel Haus/Mr. Tom Ruhland
- Tinucci's
- Ms. Andrea Sisel & Nativity of our Lord School Ceramic Students
- Ms. Meghan Befort & Holy Spirit School Ceramic Students
- Ms. Anita Berg & Convent of the Visitation Ceramic Students
- Mr. Chad Anderson
- Mr. Mark McGuire
- Ms. Laura Nelson
- Mr. Mitchell Reynolds
- Ms. Martha Thornton & CDH Ceramic Students
- Mr. Aaron Puent
- Mr. Teddy Williams
- Ms. Pat Norusis
As Empty Bowls continues to grow, new partners are always welcome to join “Team Empty Bowls” and support Heifer International. For more information, please contact Peter Gleich.