Page 77 - LIN November 2022 Issue

The cancellation of the traditional Empty A founder of Empty Bowls Naples, Donna
Bowls fest in January 2021, which Dawson Torrance is an art teacher, and Michigan pro-
said was heartbreaking, took a budget bite, gram pioneer in 1990. “Our vision was just
but the overall impact was eased by a surprise focused on helping the food banks and bring-
ray of light. The Mercato commercial com- ing significance to the arts in schools,” she
plex in North Naples came forward to offer recalls. “Each year I look at the Cambier crowd
Empty Bowls space to sell handmade ceram- with awe and amazement at the spirit of com-
ics in a pandemic-emptied storefront now munity. It’s a circle of giving. Share your gifts
named Hand & Harvest Artisan Market. and you get joy in return.”
Not only does the “bowltique” maintain Still, the significance to the community
cash flow, Dawson says, it publicizes Empty is greater, Torrance observes: “The bond of
Bowls and makes new friends. friendships and healing during the pandemic,
The Mercato space allows Empty Bowls and the networking of groups together has
to hold painting parties, which also have united a passion that is powerful beyond my
resumed at North Naples headquarters. Plus, Inspiration comes from those who depend expectations.”
Empty Bowls has been invited to host a Hand on Empty Bowls, as noted by Linda Oberhaus Steve Popper of Meals of Hope, a ben-
& Harvest bar serving waters and light wine of the Shelter for Abused Women & Children eficiary which shares warehouse space with
drinks, and wrap presents at the holidays. of Collier County. “Funding from Empty Empty Bowls, is on the front line. “Local
Empty Bowls volunteers are now back on Bowls provides our emergency shelter partici- food banks just don’t have enough food to
the road to country clubs, the Naples Senior pants with perishable and fresh foods such as give away, and the need for assistance just
Center and even hotels for festive bowl-making milk, eggs, meat and fruit,” Oberhaus reports. continues to grow,” he says. “People in SWFL
workshops, with one on Marco Island produc- “Not only do they address food deserts in our are fortunate to have Empty Bowls working
ing 300 bowls and a $10,000 donation. Friends community, Empty Bowls also fills hearts every day to help make sure no one goes to
of Empty Bowls bolsters the whole effort. with hope.” bed hungry!”

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Life in Naples November 2022 77