One of the best things about living in Vero Beach is how the community rallies around people in need. Philanthropy abounds in this town. The Samaritan Center for Homeless Families, which helps people turn their lives around, benefits from much of that support, raising money in an extremely creative and inclusive way.
The Samaritan Center Soup Bowl, now in its 22nd year, is an amazing endeavor by artists, restaurants, churches, businesses, schools, and hundreds of volunteers who contribute annually to the festive day.
In August, local artist Shotsi LaJoie put the word out to all the potters in the area, and more than 40 threw thousands of bowls for the event, which took place last Thursday. Several potters also donated exquisite soup tureens which were raffled off to benefit the Samaritan Center.
Additionally, last Monday evening, Samaritan Center supporters gathered at the Quail Valley River Club for an inaugural “Give from the Heart, A Small Plate Event. It was an evening of fun and fundraising, to get the momentum going for Soup Bowl Thursday.
More than 100 people enjoyed cocktails, nibbles and the auctioneering skills of County Commissioner Wesley Davis. Davis auctioned off an exquisite tureen made by local ceramicist Nancy Blair. Coveted by everyone in the crowd, the tureen, topped with a little bird, was sold for $1,000. Each guest also went home with a hand-crafted heart-shaped plate, knowing they had contributed to a great cause.
The Soup Bowl took place at more than 30 schools, churches, businesses, and community centers all over Indian River County. Members of the community paid $5 or more for a simple lunch of soup, donated by more than 70 area restaurants. Also available for purchase were the handcrafted clay bowls made by the potters.
More than 200 diners at the Community Church enjoyed soups from Waldo’s, Nino’s, Osceola Bistro, Cobalt, Orchid Island Golf Club and CJ Cannons. Coldwell Banker commandeered the Indian River Shores Community Center, with realtors providing more than 25 homemade soups, desserts and drinks. The weather was gorgeous, prompting guests to eat out on the patio and the lush, green lawn.
At the Vero Beach Police Department, which has participated for at last four years, Police Chief David Currey said that his employees collect $200 to $300 for the Samaritan Center each year.
“It’s a good cause and it’s a lunchtime thing, so we can do this during the day and it’s a way to put a face on the police department,” said Currey, ladling up soups from Citrus Grill house and Squid Lips, under a tent in the parking lot. The aroma lured in many city employees and even some members of the public attending a club meeting in the building.
People are welcome to host Soup Bowl events in their own homes at any time throughout the year.
“People get together, make soup, collect money, and send it to us,” said board member Betty Wiita. “It is that easy.”
