Empty Bowls Naples 20th Anniversary Event

“People feeding people,” Empty Bowls Naples mission to end hunger in our community one bowl at a time! 

Since itsinception, Empty Bowls Naples January event has become synonymous with a delicious, fun day of creative bowls, one-of-a-kind artist pieces, and of course, soup, a bottomless soup bowl.   

Started by Barron Collier High School art teacher, Donna Torrance and led by Betsy Dawson, the soup event has expanded from 500 bowls to over 5,000 per year!   

A donation allows guests to choose a hand-decorated bowl and sample delicious soups given from 50+ local restaurants and clubs, including Quinns at the JW Marriott, with bread donated by Panera Bread. CJ's on the Bay has been a huge contributor for years and donates 15 gallons of delicious seafood chowder every year! 

All of the pottery bowls have been contributions, crafted over the course of the year by local potters and glazed by local artists and volunteers. Marco artists  Jaqueline Glasglow, Susie Hauze, and Judy Chinski have not only been hand-making the pottery bowls butalso glazing and firingthem for the event for years. Members of the Marco Island Center for the Arts hope other artists and potters will join Empty Bowls and volunteer their pottery and art skills. A special thank you to Hyla Crane, Executive Director of the Marco Art Center,for her continued support.  

The event also includes incredible handmade pottery and art in the silent auction, and hundreds of beautiful, useful, and affordable pieces for sale at the boutique.     

"Empty Bowls Naples is not just an organization, it’s a community.Whether you are a well-trained artist or would just like to volunteer, Empty Bowls Naples welcomes everyone,” said Jacqueline Glasglow. 

Proceeds of the event support the Empty Bowls grant program, which distributes funds to agencies that directly distribute food to our needy families. 

"Almost 20% of Collier County children face food insecurity, meaning nearly one in five kids lack consistent access to enough nutritious food. I am very proud that over $1 million dollarsin grants have been awarded by Empty Bowls to local food banks and pantries, including Marco Island's Our Daily Bread Food Pantry, Naples Women’s Shelter, and St. Matthew’s House," said Susie Hauze. 

Please put Saturday, January 17, 2026 on your calendars to come to Cambier Park for our annual soup event. The gate opens at 11:00 AMand you can enjoy soup and entertainment until  2:00 PM. It is tons of fun, and you will leave with a beautiful handmade and glazed bowl, and you will not go away hungry!