(Vero Beach, FL) Sept. 1, 2021 – Catholic Charites’ Samaritan Center will be holding its 29th Annual Soup “Empty Bowls-Full Hearts” fundraising event. The Samaritan Center would like to express our deepest gratitude to the many restaurants, caterers and country clubs that have, over the years, donated hundreds of gallons of soup to the event. However, in recognition of the hardship to these soup suppliers, we will not be asking for soup donations. Indian River Clay will oversee the pottery production, and the Soup Bowl Event will be held on Thursday, November 4, 2021, from 9:00 am-5:00 pm at the Heritage Center, in downtown Vero Beach.
The Samaritan Center provides transitional housing and guidance for homeless families with dependent children in Indian River County. Samaritan Center is a core program of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach and a funded partner of the United Way and the Indian River County Children’s Service Advisory Council. This event raises awareness and much needed funding for the homeless families served by Samaritan Center.
“The Soup Bowl has always been a county ritual,” said Renee Bireley, Development Manager. “Soup Bowl originated more than 28 years ago when the Samaritan Center Advisory Board brainstormed ideas on a community fundraiser that would bring awareness to the homeless population and would be affordable enough for everyone to attend. from that meeting, Soup Bowl was born.”
We are thrilled to announce the Soup Bowl Workshops started at our community nonprofit partner, Indian River Clay several months ago. More than 1,200 wheel thrown bowls will be created on and off campus by volunteer potters. Indian River Clay is a clay studio of full and part-time members founded in 2018 to promote the learning and development of pottery skills. The bowls will be available at the Heritage Center for a minimum donation of $15 on November 4, 2021. Hand- crafted soup tureens made by a master ceramicist will be raffled for chances that cost $10.
Vero Heritage Executive Director, Heather Stapleton stated, “Being an active part of our community continues to be a top priority. After all, that’s why the Heritage Center was built in 1935-as a resource for everyone. We gladly partner for community building events like the Samaritan Center’s Soup Bowl. The Heritage Center evokes such memories and resonates with the Community. People intuitively know this place matters.”
“Our center was built by a community coming together in 1990 to donate funds to build our facility. Now, the whole community continues to come together alongside local nonprofit initiatives each year to support us with Soup Bowl. The community can once again come out and support homeless families,” commented Renee.
To learn more about Catholic Charites’ Samaritan Center or get more information about Soup Bowl, please call 772-770-3039 or email Renee Bireley at rbireley@ccdpb.org.
About Samaritan Center
Samaritan Center is a transitional residential facility for homeless families in Indian River County with a structured step-based program and with a 24-hour staff. We help pregnant women and homeless families develop the life skills needed for successful reintegration into mainstream society. Admission is open to families of all faiths.
Visit www.ccdpb.org/programs/samaritan-center/
About Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach provides 11 social service programs and ministries at eight locations throughout the Diocese of Palm Beach. Established in 1984, Catholic Charities responds to the needs of the poor and most vulnerable by providing quality programs that serve children, families, and homeless. Catholic Charities of the five-county Diocese of Palm Beach respects life in all of its stages. In living our faith, we create hope for people in need, without regard to religion. Through our programs and ministries, we empower individuals, deliver social services and collaborate with others in building just and compassionate communities.
Visit www.ccdpb.org.