Empty Bowl fundraiser fights hunger, feeds hope

Published 5:25 am Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Some soups are more satisfying than others. Proceeds from the soup ladled up at the Salvation Army 14th annual Empty Bowl event will fight hunger and feed hope. The fundraiser is Thursday, March 16, at L’Auberge Casino Resort, 6-8 p.m.

Chefs  from Southern Spice, Marilyn’s Catering, Coffee:30, L’Auberge, 121 Bistro, James 710 and Restaurant Calla are pitching in and doing good in the community by preparing something good.

Even better, soups will be served up in hand-crafted bowls and donated by local artists such as Dr. Susan Boyd, Tracy LeMieux, Tony Yoder, McNeese State University and Sulphur High School art students.

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And perhaps best of all, is the entertainment slated for this year. Creole/Zydeco/Soul royalty Sean Ardoin, four-time Grammy nominee will perform.

Myron LeLeux, Southern Spice, has been participating in this fundraiser since year one because “it’s a really good cause and we just feel like it’s our way of giving back to the community,” he said. Southern Spice will serve chicken and sausage gumbo. Rusty Dawdy, Marilyn’s Catering will be serving jambalaya. This is the first year that Coffee:30 has pitched in. Chef Josh Smith is planning on tomato and basil, ideal for early springtime temps.

Local Salvation Army Lieutenant Roslyn Morrison said proceeds will be used to  get the Center of Hope Men’s Homeless Shelter reopened at the beginning of May.  There has also been some discussion about a wing for single women and a wing for women with minor children, but Morrison could not comment on those projects.

Individual tickets are $125. Sponsorships are available beginning at $1200 and cover the cost of a table for eight or more, publicity and other perks depending on the sponsorship level.

Tickets are available through the Salvation Army website and by coming to the Salvation Army office at 3020 Legion St. Seating is limited so advance purchase is recommended, but any remaining tickets will be sold at the door. To find out more, email Roslyn Morrison at Roslyn.morrison@uss.salvationarmy.org or call (337)721-8068.