Letter: Soup superheroes

The 12th annual Empty Bowls Dinner was a huge success! On March 9, more than 500 people from our community gathered at Bumps at the base of Buttermilk to share a simple meal of delicious soup, fresh bread and yummy desserts. Guests chose a bowl from more than 500 beautiful ceramic bowls that were handmade by students at Aspen Middle School, Aspen Community School, Aspen Country Day School and Colorado Mountain College for their soup and to take home as a reminder that there are always empty bowls in the world.

There was music provided by students from Aspen Country Day School and Lyn Byars and Marilyn Kelly from the band Guilty Pleasure, who rocked the house! Of course, the party was great fun for all. All the money raised, more than $5,500, will be donated to the local charity Lift Up.

Everyone who participated in Empty Bowls left with a full tummy, a warm heart and a nourished soul. This event had a huge community turnout and participation from the students at all three schools, which is a reflection of the incredible community in which we live. We are so fortunate that our community supports the arts and its children.

Special thanks to a very generous grant from the Thrift Shop of Aspen and its dedication to education, the arts and community service. Thank you to Bumps! Henrietta and its staff were extremely generous, helpful and wonderful in every way. Thank you to all the amazing volunteers who gave time, energy and donations to make the Empty Bowls project happen.

Thank you to all the students who created art from their hearts.

The following businesses were incredibly generous: Bumps, the Woody Creek Tavern, Aspen Country Day School Cafe, Butcher’s Block, Jour de Fete, Cache Cache, Smoke Modern Barbeque, the Maroon Creek Club, Little Annie’s, Jimmy’s, Brunelleschi’s, The Big Wrap, Meat and Cheese Restaurant, the Caribou Club, Paradise, the Brick Pony Pub and Clark’s Market. The food was delicious.

We, the art teachers, want to thank everyone involved in this project; our restaurant sponsors who donated delicious soup; our parents, colleagues and friends who gave time, energy and cookies; and last but not least, the students who created art and gained an understanding of giving from the heart and the value of helping others.

Rae Lampe, Hilary Forsyth and Paula Ponto

Art teachers; Aspen Middle School, Aspen Community School and Aspen Country Day School