When it comes to supporting the community, NC’s School of Culinary Arts is known for stepping up to the plate – or, more specifically when it comes to a highly-anticipated annual fundraiser to help the homeless – the bowl.
On March 4, culinary student volunteers turned up the heat for a vital cause and walked away with a clean sweep at the recent Empty Bowls competition.
The annual soup competition and fundraiser in St. Catharines was held in support of Second Storey Community Homes and Services. Formerly known as Bethlehem Housing, the organization used the evening to debut its new name while raising funds for permanent affordable housing across the Niagara region.
More than 500 guests gathered to sip and savour creations from 10 competitors including NC as well as Chile & Agave Mexican Grill, The Twisted Pig Italian Kitchen, WIND Japanese & Thai, Mick & Angelo’s Kitchen + Bar, Redstone Winery & Restaurant, Greg Frewin Theatrical Centre, Wellington Court Restaurant, Parkway Social, and Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery.
In the end, NC’s team not only provided a spoonful of comfort to the community, they earned both the Judges’ Platinum Ladle and People’s Choice Platinum Ladle awards.
NC’s team, led by Chef Professors Erik Mauke and Olaf Mertens, stood out by serving a Cajun Chicken Chowder paired with a Chive and Cheddar Biscuit. Mauke noted that students took the lead on seasoning and ingredient selection to co-create the final flavour profile. The team included six dedicated culinary student volunteers: Annabel Hart, Isai Garcia Lopez, Felicity Scrimshaw, Samantha Hartt, Jillianne Toulouse, and Sophie Lawrence.
Mauke said the students volunteered 100% of their time across 12 hours which was an initiative entirely separate from their classes.
“I was incredibly proud of their energy and professionalism,’ said Mauke. “The event gave them valuable hands-on experience in catering logistics – from prepping, packing, and transporting food to setting up a professional, efficient service kitchen and on-site displays – all while working under tight time constraints and ensuring everything arrived hot and delicious into guests’ hands.
“Their hard work truly paid off.”
Lori Beech, Executive Director, Second Story Community Homes and Services applauded NC’s long-time contribution to the event.
“Over the years, Niagara College has been an incredible partner in the success of our Empty Bowls Soup Competition and Fundraiser through various aspects of the event – sponsorship, volunteering, judging and participation as a vendor,” said Beech. “For the past four years, their talented culinary team has earned top honours for their amazing and delicious soup creations, including winning both the Judges’ Platinum Ladle and People’s Choice Platinum Ladle Awards in 2026.”
Beech also thanked Craig Youdale, Dean of Culinary Tourism and Beverage Studies, and Chef Professor Catherine O’Donnell for serving on the Empty Bowls panel of judges this year.
“Their ongoing support, talent, and generosity help make this event truly special for everyone involved,” she said.
