Fall is officially here and perhaps one of the best ways to stay warm as temperatures begin to drop is by eating some delicious soup, and the International Friendship Center and the First Presbyterian Church of Highlands is offering a way for people to warm both their bodies and their hearts with their annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser.
The event was started in 2011 as a way to help support the Highlands Food Pantry and their mission to combat food insecurity on and around the plateau and will be held on Sunday, Oct. 2 from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church.
A similar event is being held Saturday morning at the Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry in Cashiers starting at 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
“I think any event that brings people together is good for the community as a whole - a way to remind us all that we’re friends and neighbors and we ultimately need one another to make our world a better place,” International Friendship Center Executive Director T.J. Smith said. “This is especially true after the past few years when we’ve had to stay so focused on distancing ourselves and trying to stay healthy.”
This year will also mark the first time since 2019 that the event will be back to an in-person, face-to-face format after the COVID-19 pandemic forced organizers to pivot to a drive-thru pickup.
“We’re really excited to have people face-to-face again,” Smith said. “I’ve come to learn just how much folks missed sitting down with their neighbors to enjoy a good meal and good company all for a really great cause.”
Attendees will be treated to their choice of one of seven homemade soups provided by local restaurants and chefs, including a Brunswick Stew from Blue Hound Barbecue in Scaly Mountain, Chicken Tortilla Soup provided by Highlands’ Los Vaqueros, Clam Chowder from Primary in Highlands, Creamy Tomato Soup made by Kristy Lewis of the Highlands United Methodist Church, a Fall Squash Bisque from Madison’s, Italian Sausage and Root Vegetable provided by Four65 and a Vegetable Lentil from Highlands’ Kitchen Carryaway and Catering.
Additionally, guests will be provided the opportunity to take home one hand-turned bowl of their choosing, which has been supplied by The Bascom Center for Visual Arts and the John C. Campbell School in Brasstown, who have donated an additional 50 glazed, stoneware bowls. Those who wish to take additional soup home will also have the option to purchase it by the pint.
“It’s awesome to see so many in this community coming together to support our food insecure neighbors,” Smith said. “This year has been especially hard with inflation - food is just so much more expensive, which makes our work even more important.”
Smith said they are expecting around 300 people to attend and tickets for the fundraiser cost $25 and are currently available for purchase on the IFC’s website. Ticket cost includes choice of one soup, choice of one hand-made bowl, beverages and dessert. All proceeds from the entire event will benefit the Highlands Food Pantry. Smith and other organizers are hopeful to see the Highlands community come out and help combat food insecurity in the community while enjoying fellowship with one another.
“I hope folks come out and enjoy a meal and some fellowship with their friends and neighbors - all for a really great cause,” Smith said.
For more information or questions, visit www.internationalfriendshipcenter.org or contact IFC Director of Social Services and Administration Andrea Smith at 828-526-0890 or via email at andrea@internationalfriendshipcenter.org.