Cherry Brook, Canton Intermediate Schools Prepare for Empty Bowls Fundraiser

Numerous students and staff at Cherry Brook and Canton Intermediate schools, with the help of local restaurants and older students, have been hard at work for an upcoming event that will showcase the work of young artists and support the less fortunate. 

In all about 250 third and fourth graders and staff from both schools, with the help of art specialists Deb Lang-Beaudoin and Ellen Raposo, made bowls for the upcoming "Creations For Our Community: An Empty Bowls Event" on April 3.

For the event, the teachers guided students through the staff of molding, glazing and firing bowls made of white body clay.

At the same time, the schools have been asking local restaurants to donate food or supplies for the event, which will also feature the culinary skills of middle- and high-school students, student wait staff, family volunteers, piano music and more. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the suggested donation of $5 per student and $7 per adult will be split between the Canton Food Bank and Gifts of Love.

Two years ago the first empty bowls event organized by the students brought in $2,400. Since the project is a big undertaking, the idea is to hold it every year and involve both classes. That way, nearly every student attending Canton schools, has the chance to participate. 

Empty Bowls is an international effort started in the early 1990s to help fight hunger. Imagine/RENDER Group, a 501(c)3 organization was started to expand the efforts.

The art teachers said it was great to bring the concept to Canton. While students are not required to volunteer or attend the event, they are taught the meaning behind the bowls.

“It was a great lesson for the kids to give back,” Raposo, art specialist at Cherry Brook, said about the effort two years ago.

And Lang-Beaudoin said the students do understand the meaning behind the project.

“At this level, they understand,” she said.

And so many students and their families do get involved, Lang-Beaudoin added.

Local restaurants have been so generous as well, she said.

Some of those on board are , Fabiloa’s, the Iron Frog, First and Last Tavern, , Abigails, The Pasta Co., Antonios, Da Capo, Cosi, Amici Italian Grill, , Buon Appetitio and more.  

Those looking to go to the event should RSVP to contact dbeaudoin@cantonschools.org or eraposo@cantonschools.org by April 19. Seating times are 5:30, 6:00 and 6:30 p.m. 

Restaurants interested in signing on can also send an e-mail to the teachers.