Opportunity House’s 12th annual ‘Souper Bowl’ is set to take place the end of this month, on April 28, at The Crowne Plaza in Wyomissing. The multi-service organization that improves the quality of life for children, families and adults who face various obstacles to independence, and supports their efforts to achieve and maintain self-sufficiency and well-being is hoping to increase awareness of hunger and homelessness while also raising funds for the many programs of the organization.
This fundraiser has attendees select from more than 1,000 handmade bowls that are donated by professional, amateur and student potters. As with many volunteers in Berks County, students in Tulpehocken Area School District and members of Evangelical Lutheran Friedens Church in Bernville are taking a spin on the pottery wheel or just molding the clay with their hands to make bowls for the fundraiser.
‘When it originated more than 10 years ago, a friend who was an art teacher invited me to go to a pottery event,’ said Janet Balthaser, member of Evangelical Lutheran Friedens Church and retired teacher from Tulpehocken. ‘I love pottery and clay. Most of ours are hand built.’
Balthaser spoke with Lynne Higgins, the current art teacher at Tulpehocken, to see if she would be willing to let the church members use the kiln at the school in order to complete the bowls. Higgins was on board with the idea and a fellow church member and another retired teacher from Tulpehocken, Mary Mohn, used to transport the bowls from where the church members worked on the bowls to the school then back to the church and then back to the school before making the final transport. Now, the church members work on painting and glazing the bowls in the art room after school.
‘It coordinates with the pottery classes,’ said Mohn. ‘I used to transport the bowls back and forth, but not we just meet at the school and bring our own clay and glazes.’
Once the bowls are ready, they will be displayed at the church before heading over to The Crowne Plaza. On the day of the fundrasiers, attendees will select a bowl to take home and then have the chance to enjoy a light supper of soups, breads and desserts. The food and beverages are donated by many local restaurants, food providers and businesses. There will also be a silent auction during the event that features special bowls created by professional artists and potters.
‘It gets bigger every year,’ said Balthaser. ‘We always enjoy it.’
‘You leave there with a bowl and a full belly,’ said Mohn.
Proceeds go to the Opportunity House which encourages the men, women and children they serve in every program to improve their quality of life so that they can begin to focus on tomorrow.
‘It’s definitely a good fundraiser for them,’ said Mohn.
This year’s ‘Souper Bowl’ will take place on April 28 at The Crown Plaza in Wyomissing. For more information on the organization and the fundraiser visit www.opphouse.org. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Boscov’s Department Stores or online. They can also be purchased at the door on the day of the event.
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