WESTFIELD-Bowls filled with homemade ice cream will be at the center of a unique fundraiser on Thursday to benefit the Westfield Food Pantry.
Fine arts students at Westfield High School have been creating unique, colorful ceramic bowls all year in anticipation of the second annual Empty Bowls fundraiser. Chocolate and vanilla ice cream – made from scratch – will be donated by Joe Mancino and Dave Chartier, owners of the Northside Creamery on Southampton Road, for the tasty event. Toppings to choose from will include hot fudge, whipped cream and sprinkles.
Niko Bacopoulos, Faith Blondin, Nathan Navarro, Sarah Cotto, Anusha Katuwal, Lauren Menzel and Grace Mayhew are among more than 100 Westfield High School students who have made decorative ceramic bowls for Thursday’s second annual Empty Bowls fundraiser.
Empty Bowls is an international project to fight hunger, with artists around the globe bringing students together to support food-related charities.
The event will be conducted in the cafeteria of the high school on Montgomery Rd. and, weather permitting, will extend to the courtyard. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students. Admission includes an ice cream sundae and a homemade ceramic bowl to take home.
“Our students take a lot of pride in the school and our community,” said Karen West, one of four fine arts teachers coordinating logistics. “As soon as we came back last year students were asking about the Empty Bowl project.”
West, along with Ann Marie Picard, Monica DeFranca, and Susanne Willey, said the fundraiser is multi-faceted.
“The students are excited about the event because it supports the food pantry in the city,” said Picard.
Willey concurred.
“The four of us are a good team and we educate students about hunger globally as well as locally,” said Willey.
Westfield High School fine arts teachers Ann Marie Picard, Susanne Willey, Monica DeFranca and Karen West showcase some of the many ceramic bowls and handmade pottery that will be featured at Thursday’s Empty Bowls fundraiser to benefit the Westfield Food Pantry.
DeFranca added that students are “good kids” who want to get involved in the community.
“Creating the ceramic bowls for the fundraiser becomes more meaningful than just creating a bowl,” said DeFranca.
Senior Nathan Navarro echoed those sentiments.
“I have made at least 20 small ceramic bowls for the fundraiser,” said Navarro. “We hope people support our fundraiser because it’s for a good cause – to help feed people.”
In addition to the small ceramic bowl that is given as part of the admission price, students have also been hard at work for months, creating decorative pieces ranging from mugs, spoons and centerpieces to slab draped bowls and bowls with intricate carvings.
The fundraiser not only inspires fine arts students to create one-of-a-kind pieces, but is also integral in educating students about who uses the food pantry.
“Our students learn it is not just the homeless who seek out the food pantry,” said DeFranca, adding that college students are among those who can require assistance.
DeFranca said she is hopeful that the second annual event will exceed the $1,550 raised last year.
During the 6 to 8 p.m. event, a 50/50 raffle is planned, as well as activities including corn hole, lawn games and board games. In addition, separate tables will feature student handiwork in prices ranging from $2 to $10.
“More than 100 students have contributed to the Empty Bowls project,” said DeFranca. “We have created a real world experience allowing students to use their artistic skills to create a good product. The money raised from the sale of the handmade pottery and art will also benefit the food pantry.”
