Arcadia University hosted its 32nd Annual Empty Bowl Benefit Dinner on Nov. 11 in The Commons Great Room, bringing together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members for an evening dedicated to raising awareness and funds for food and housing insecurity. 

This year’s dinner raised $3,019, which will be split between the Knights Resource Pantry and an Arcadia University fund that supports students facing housing insecurity and other related barriers that challenge their access to education.

“[Empty Bowl] is a beloved tradition because it supports such a great cause, attendees get to take away a very unique piece of art created by students and members in the surrounding community, and the Arcadia and surrounding community get to come together to share a space and spend time with each other,” said Residential and Student Engagement Coordinator Jacob Hanley, who planned this year’s dinner.

In addition to the unlimited soup, bread, and dessert provided by Metz, a hallmark of the event each year is the handmade bowl every attendee takes home, showcasing a collaboration between local artists and students. Ceramic bowls were crafted by students in Professor Gregg Moore’s Ceramics courses this fall, and hand-carved wooden bowls were made by students at Germantown Friends School.

“It means everything to me to keep such a beloved tradition alive and thriving here at Arcadia, one that focuses on supporting both the Arcadia and the surrounding community,” Hanley added. “Continuing to raise awareness for food and housing insecurity, both locally and globally, is extremely important.”

This year’s menu included tomato, potato, and broccoli cheddar soup, chili, bread, and an assortment of cookies. The Great Room’s atmosphere was enhanced by Arcadia’s student-run radio station, ARC Radio, playing some calming jazz tunes in the background while guests relaxed and enjoyed one another’s company.

English major Savannah Dean ’29 was excited to come to the event for the soups, but found much more meaning in the event after arriving.

“I got to meet and talk to the community members who are also here,” said Dean. “Especially the insecurities and everything right now, just helping community members is important. And if someone doesn’t normally eat as much, maybe this event would bring someone in for that.”

Abington resident Sharon Rosenberg had seen Empty Bowl on Facebook for a few years but decided to attend with her husband this year. 

“I always wanted to come. I thought it was a great idea. I’d like to help, especially now, with food insecurity, and also kids who have housing insecurity, too,” Rosenberg said. “I think it’s great for the students to get involved to help each other and help others, especially right now. It’s a good crowd too. We came at 4, thinking we’d be real early, but the room was already filled.”