Niagara College is once again supporting the annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser, a local event that unites the community in support of Bethlehem Housing and Support Services. The event, which features gourmet soup prepared by Niagara’s top chefs and served in one-of-a-kind bowls crafted by local potters, raises funds for affordable housing and support programs across the region.
This year, NC Chef Professor Daniel Leblanc will lead a team of students from NC’s School of Culinary Arts in the event’s soup competition. Following last year’s success, where the NC team won the People’s Choice Award, students will once again showcase their culinary talents and compete for the Platinum Ladle Award. In past years, NC students have won both the People’s Choice and Judges’ Choice awards.
“This is a great opportunity for our students to give back to the community, volunteer, and show their pride in the work they have done while representing the College,” said Leblanc, who is participating in his eighth year leading an NC team. “They also gain valuable experience in large-batch cooking, service, logistics, and planning.”
Along with preparing the soup, students will also serve it to attendees on the day of the event.
NC’s Dean of Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies, Craig Youdale, will also return as one of the judges responsible for evaluating the competing soups.
“The work that Bethlehem Housing does is vital to the health and well-being of many in the Niagara community,” said Youdale. “I am honoured to represent Niagara College at this event each year. It not only showcases culinary talent in our community but also brings attention to important issues like food insecurity and housing challenges. It’s an event I look forward to every spring.”
The Empty Bowls Fundraiser will take place on March 5 at the Holiday Inn & Suites Parkway Conference Centre in St. Catharines. Attendees will enjoy gourmet soups, Niagara wines, beer, cider, fresh bread, and desserts, and take home their handcrafted bowl as a continuous reminder of those who struggle to meet basic living needs in our very own community.
Funds raised from the event will support Bethlehem Housing and Support Services in their mission to provide affordable housing and essential programs for individuals and families across Niagara.
To learn more and purchase tickets, visit the Empty Bowls Fundraiser website.
