Soup's on: Hundreds gather at Empty Bowls 'to eat simply so that others may simply eat'

Too many cooks spoil the soup?

Not at the Empty Bowls fundraiser for the Palm Beach County Food Bank.

The 11th annual event, chaired by Johanna Reyers, Amy Sullivan and Michael Dobies, took place Feb. 23 at the Episcopal Church of Bethesda By-The-Sea.

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Hundreds of guests came "to eat simply, so others can simply eat” at a lunch of bread from Old School Bakery, soups made and donated by local chefs, water, and a dessert from an old-fashioned bake sale, all served by members of the community.

The church and its members have completely underwritten the event since its inception, ensuring that every dollar raised goes to the food bank.

“In the past 11 years, we have raised $1 million in the entirety of hosting Empty Bowls Palm Beach,” said Jamie Kendall, CEO of the food bank. “Every meal is more than just food. It is children attending school with the energy and focus they need to succeed; it’s senior adults holding on to their health and independence and it’s families being able to pay their bills. Thanks to our valuable partners at Church of Bethesda by-the-Sea, we can give back dignity and some peace of mind to our neighbors who are struggling with significant food insecurity.”

Participating restaurants and soup booths included BrickTop’s, Buccan, Club Colette,  E.R. Bradley’s Saloon, Field of Greens, Gourmet Galaxy, Grato, La Sirena, Le Bilboquet Palm Beach, PB Catch, Pistache, Ravish Off Ocean, Renato’s Palm Beach, Sailfish Club of Florida, The Bath and Tennis Club, The Beach Club, The Ben West Palm, The Breakers Palm Beach, The Colony Palm Beach Hotel, The Lord’s Place Cafe Joshua, Trevini Ristorante and Old School Bakery.

Franny LaRue of Gourmet Galaxy Catering was the event chef.

Proceeds benefit The Palm Beach County Food Bank, which procures food from grocery stores, farmers, food distributors, wholesalers, and other sources for almost 200 local community partners, including food pantries, soup kitchens and residential housing programs.