HIGHTSOWN – The Hightstown Cultural Arts Commission is teaming up with eight local eateries for an “Empty Bowls” event, which will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 12, at the Veterans of Foreign War Post 5700, 140 Dutch Neck Road in Hightstown.
Empty Bowls is an international program that engages artists to create and donate handmade bowls in which a simple meal is served to a gathering of community members. In exchange for the meal and the hand-made bowl, guests contribute a donation.
“We are overwhelmed by the positive response from people throughout the community and the enthusiasm of our sponsors to participate,” said Ann Marie Miller, chair of the Highstown Cultural Arts Commission. “We are looking forward to a truly heart- and tummy-warming event that will generate funds to keep Rise’s food pantry well furnished.”
So far, eight local food sponsors will participate in the event. They include 12 Farms, Fernando’s Grille, Mannino’s, Tavern on the Lake, Byrne Cafe & Deli, Pompier Catering, Legends Grille and Panera Bread.
The menu includes wild mushroom bisque, pasta fagioli, shrimp bisque, butternut squash puree and chicken escarole soup with spicy sausage and chickpeas topped with asiago cheese. Soda, beer and wine will be provided by VFW Post 5700. There also are two corporate sponsors: St. David’s Episcopal Church and CBSI (Customized Benefits Solutions, Inc.).
Tickets for the Empty Bowls event are $35 and include the full meal and the bowl that will hold the hot soup. Participants need not be present to receive a bowl. Anyone who purchases an advanced ticket online will be able to reserve a bowl, which will be delivered.
Tickets are available online, at Rise and also available at the door unless the commission sells out of all 200 bowls. To purchase tickets online, visit www.eventbrite.com.
