Hundreds support Food Bank at Empty Bowls events
LAKEWOOD RANCH — The more than 300 guests who decided to have lunch outdoors at Lakewood Ranch’s Main Street on Friday did more than satisfy their mid-day hunger.
Each of their $25 donations at the Empty Bowls benefit went toward keeping The Food Bank of Manatee’s pantry stocked so it can continue to help roughly 100 social service agencies put meals on the tables of needy families.
Another 300 guests attended an Empty Bowls event on Thursday at Renaissance on 9th, the Bradenton bistro operated by The Food Bank’s parent organization, Meals on Wheels PLUS.
In addition, beer, wine, water and some food sales at the monthly Music on Main concert and street festival in Lakewood Ranch on Friday night also benefited the organizations.
Empty Bowls is the largest fundraiser for The Food Bank each year and the charity depends on a strong turnout, said Stephanie Grepling, marketing and communications manager for Meals on Wheels PLUS. “It’s so important for the community to come out and support a great cause to end hunger in Manatee County.”
For their $25 admission, guests get to sample soups and chowders offered by more than a dozen restaurants and area businesses. As a reminder of the cause, they get to take home an empty ceramic bowl made by a local artist.
Guests had a diverse menu of selections: The Granary’s beer cheese soup. The Capital Grill’s butternut squash soup. The Polo Grill’s Bangkok noodle bowl with chicken and shrimp. Chowder from Truman’s Tap & Grill. Gumbo from the Anna Maria Oyster Bar. Renaissance on 9th’s beef barley soup. Tommy Bahama’s tortilla soup. FCCI Eastside Café’s Skyline chili. The Beach House’s clam chowder. Sweet Tomatoes’ cream of mushroom soup.
Richard Sargent, general manager The Ranch Grill, took the opportunity to promote his Jimmy Buffett-inspired “cheeseburger in paradise” soup.
He said the recipe includes ground beef, mushrooms, carrots, onions, celery and jalopenos (“just enough to give it a little kick”). He topped each serving with bacon and cheese.
“It’s very good,” vouched customer Bonnie Freitag, who patronizes The Ranch Grill each Monday for its “Burger Night.”
Although each of her eight Popi’s Place restaurants (with a ninth soon to open in Venice) has a staff of about 50, chain owner Popi Ameres prefers not to delegate responsibility at Empty Bowls events.
“I like to come personally and to serve people myself,” said Ameres, who ladled out her traditional Greek dish, lemon chicken soup.
Tina Kashdin, who orders the soup when patronizing Ameres’ restaurants, could not pass up a serving. “It’s delicious.”
Heather Kasten, executive director of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, was glad to see numerous alliance members who also decided to take their lunch break at the Empty Bowls fundraiser.
“This time of year it’s more important than ever,” Kasten said. “It’s such a fun event. It brings so many people together, a great way to kick off the holiday season.”
Interested?
For more information about The Food Bank of Manatee and Meals on Wheels PLUS go to foodbankofmanatee.org and mealsonwheelsplus.org.
