Apr 21 2006

Empty Bowls in Las Vegas

by Megan Edwards
Empty Bowls
Empty Bowls event at Green Valley
High School, March 25th, 2006

At the end of March, I attended one of the most delightful and successful fundraisers I’ve ever been to anywhere. No, I’m not talking about a high-end formal ball with posses of celebrities, a multi-course banquet and lavish decorations. I’m talking about eating chicken noodle soup in a high school cafeteria. It may sound humble, but the Empty Bowls benefit sponsored by the Nevada Clay Guild, Aardvark Clay & Supplies, and Green Valley High School, not only raised nearly $20,000 to fight hunger in the Las Vegas valley, but also gave over a thousand people handmade works of art to take home.

I showed up exactly at 11:30, which was opening time. Big mistake. The line to get into the cafeteria was already a couple of kilometers long. It moved steadily, though, and soon I was inside. Long tables set up end to end were covered with a stunning variety of handmade ceramic bowls of varying shapes, textures, and colors. Clay Guild members had been working all year to create this treasure trove, and, I, having made my $12 donation, could now choose the one bowl I most wanted to keep.

It may sound like a cinch, but choosing one bowl was a near-impossible task made even more difficult by the volunteers who filled empty spots as soon as somebody made a selection. The array mutated before my eyes as fellow attendees made their decisions and new creations appeared. I saw at least twelve dozen bowls that I would have been thrilled to own, but somehow, I had to settle on one. I finally achieved this after picking up several hundred and envying each and every bowl somebody else picked.

My next stop, a helpful volunteer explained, was the washing station, where I sanitized my bowl and dried it with a paper towel. Now I was ready to decide what to have for lunch. The choices were chili and several kinds of soup, all being served from large cauldrons manned by more cheerful volunteers. I opted for the chicken noodle soup, picked up some bread and a bottle of water, and found a seat at a table in time to listen to some student musicians perform.

After the entertainment, an auctioneer took the microphone. He announced that he had no idea what he was doing and then proceeded to sell an impressive lineup of paintings, sculptures and ceramic creations for remarkably hefty sums. At the same time, a silent auction was underway at more tables along one wall. A beautifully carved teapot was pulling in bids upwards of $600, and the works of well known local artists were also inspiring serious competition. In addition to ceramic works, there were weavings donated by local fiber artists.

While raising money was the focus and purpose of the Empty Bowls event, the thing that most struck me about it was how much fun everybody was having. Little children were walking around holding their bowls like newly discovered treasure. High school students were excited that the bowls they had made were being chosen as quickly as those by well-known artists. No age group was unrepresented, and a veritable roar of conversation filled the entire cavernous room.

By the time I had rewashed my bowl and was heading for the door, not a single bowl remained on the long tables. Over a thousand works of art had been claimed and — since lunch was “all you can eat” — far more bowls of soup had been served. As I left, I heard people of all ages repeating comments that reflected my own feelings. “That was great!” “That was so much fun!” “I love my bowl!” Not only had the Clay Guild raised a record amount to combat hunger, it had given hundreds and hundreds of people an excellent meal, a happy feeling of community spirit, and a beautiful souvenir.

Nevada Clay Guild’s members have already begun making bowls for next year’s event. My advice to anyone who is thinking about attending: Go early. Go hungry. Be generous.

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