Local Businesses, Non-profits and Community Participation Needed as this Popular Fundraiser Ramps-Up for its 31st Year Helping Homeless Families
(Vero Beach, FL) September 2023 – The pottery wheels at Indian River Clay are in motion crafting one-of-a kind clay bowls to be donated to the 31st annual Catholic Charities’ Samaritan Center Soup Bowl fundraiser on November 2 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Heritage Center and other locations. Local businesses, nonprofits, and places of worship throughout Indian River County are needed to participate as sponsors, and as soup and pottery bowl destinations.
“The event is back in full this this year which means we need our local businesses, nonprofits, and places of worship to join in as sponsors, and as soup and pottery bowl destination sites. There are many ways to support this event and help homeless families in our community,” said Renee Bireley, Samaritan Center Development Manager.
Multiple sponsorship levels are available for private donors, businesses and others who can contribute monetarily. Local businesses, places of worship and community organizations throughout the county can also participate by serving soup and offering pottery bowls at their locations. On November 2, area residents will visit these locations as well as the Heritage Center in downtown Vero to make donations for soup and/or pottery bowls crafted by Indian River Clay artists. Interested businesses and other community partners can get complete participation details by contacting Renee Bireley at Samaritan Center, 772-770-3039 or visit https://www.facebook.com/SamaritanCenterSoupBowl
“What makes this event so special is that many businesses, community groups and places of worship enthusiastically participate by inviting their families, customers, employees, and parishioners to visit their locations for a bowl of soup. It’s all about breaking bread together for the homeless. It’s a humble fundraiser with a huge impact resulting in housing, nutritious meals, mental health therapy, transportation, and job training for the homeless,” Bireley said.
Samaritan Center is a transitional residential facility for homeless families with dependent children in Indian River County. Admission is open to families of all faiths. 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.