100 Bowls Earns $1,400 for Port Washington Food Pantry

The reappearance of sunshine and milder temperatures wasn’t the only bright spot returning this weekend.

Sunday also marked the return of 100 Bowls, a charity event sponsored by Port Washington High School and Dockside Deli, with proceeds benefitting the Port Washington Food Pantry.

In the gallery space next to the deli on 218 E. Main St., colorful bowls in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials beckoned at potential buyers, while mounted photographs were displayed on the walls, all created by local high school students.

From the sound of it, the event was a welcome recurrence.

“People were at the door waiting for us to open,” Port Washington High School art teacher Jane Suddendorf said. Suddendorf helped organize the fundraiser, which was held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., earning $1,400 for the food pantry within those two hours.

“It’s a great thing for the art students in Port Washington,” remarked attendee Sally Ziegler, bowl in hand, whose grandson created the poster for the event.

Now in its second year, 100 Bowls was inspired by The Imagine Render Group’s Empty Bowls Project, which began in Michigan in 1990 to raise money for the hungry and has since grown to include events both around the country and internationally.

 A $15 ticket for the local event included a choice of a bowl or photograph, plus a lunch of homemade soup, bread, coffee and a cookie from Dockside Deli, which hosted an upbeat atmosphere thanks to live Irish music performed by Bantry Bay.

Dockside is usually closed on Sundays during the winter months, but made an exception for this charity.

“It’s important for businesses to do something nice for others, not just for their own profit,” said owner Maryann Voigt.

Port High ceramics teacher Katie Feyereisen noted that 100 Bowls is beneficial not only for providing assistance for the needy, but also because “it’s good to get the kids and the community together.”

In addition to creating art for the fundraiser, students also volunteered to bus tables, wash dishes and assist with tickets.

"They're willing to do almost anything, especially if it's art related. They've been very helpful," Feyereisen said. "They're starting to understand the value of community and of community support for art."

For those that missed the event but would still like to contribute, remaining bowls will be available at Dockside Deli throughout the week.