Potters Darlene Fillion and Steve Chmilnitzky take bowls out of the kiln at the Potter’s Studio. Fifteen Potters are almost finished creating the 200 hand-crafted bowls for this year’s Empty Bowls fundraiser. Chmilnitzky is the only potter who makes the bowls by hand and Fillion said that his are always the most popular among attendees. Event Co-ordinator Sandy Summers said that “this event would not be possible without our Potters.” The potters have 50 more bowls to make after which time the bowls will be carefully wrapped, boxed and transported to the venue. (Michele Weisz photo)

The Osoyoos Potters are hard at work putting the finishing touches on the handcrafted bowls for this November’s Empty Bowls fundraiser for Desert Sun Counselling and Resource Centre.

Fifteen potters are creating the 200 unique bowls that will be used at the fundraiser.

“This event would not be possible without our Potters,” said event co-ordinator Sandy Summers.

Whether they are throwing the bowls, crafting them by hand, glazing or cleaning, “everybody takes a part in this process,” potter Darlene Fillion said.

This is the fourth year for the fundraiser, which supports Desert Sun.

Summers came up with the idea after she had volunteered for the event in St. Catharines, Ontario. The idea behind the fundraiser is a simple one. Organizers hope that when guests leave the event, with their empty bowls in hand, they will be reminded of people in the community who are less fortunate.

Last year the event raised $18,000.

The Watermark Beach Resort will be hosting the event. Its ballroom will be set up with long tables so that guests can “sit as a community and eat together,” said Summers. Each chef will set up a station that they have decorated themselves.

Chefs from 10 local restaurants will provide gourmet soups. At the end of the evening, guests will vote for the best soup. There is a friendly rivalry among the chefs to have their soup declared as the people’s choice.

The chefs all enjoy this event because “they get to mingle with the people,” Summers said. The winner will receive a trophy with one of the bowls on top.

The following restaurants have confirmed their participation in this year’s event:

  • The Watermark Beach Resort
  • Walnut Beach Resort
  • Nk’Mip Patio
  • Wander Cafe
  • Oliver Eats
  • Terrafina at Hester Creek
  • Desert Hills Bistro
  • Mica at Spirit Ridge
  • Convivia

In addition to the soup, Lake Village Bakery will be providing bread for the event, Faustino Cidery will provide cider and Firehall Brewery will provide beer.

Event sponsors Vin Amité and Sonora Desert winery will provide wine.

The event begins at 6 p.m. at the Watermark Resort Nov. 14.

Tickets are available to purchase through Eventbrite or at one of Desert Sun Counselling and Resource Centre’s two locations.

Businesses wanting to sponsor a bowl for $50 will receive a charitable tax receipt.

MICHELE WEISZ

Osoyoos Times

Hand-crafted bowls are laid out on the table at the Potter’s Studio. Fifteen Potters are almost finished creating the bowls for this year’s Empty Bowls fundraiser. Of the 200 bowls made for the event only one potter creates the bowls by hand (without using a wheel) and his bowls are the favourite among attendees every year. Event Co-ordinator Sandy Summers said that “this event would not be possible without our Potters.” The potters have 50 more bowls to make after which time the bowls will be carefully wrapped, boxed and transported to the venue. (Michele Weisz photo)