VERO BEACH — The Samaritan Center of Catholic Charities will host its 33rd annual Soup Bowl fundraising event Nov. 6, offering handmade pottery and soup for donations to support homeless families in Indian River County.
The event runs from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Vero Beach Heritage Center, with area businesses, places of worship and community organizations also participating by serving soup and pottery at more than 20 locations countywide.
Donations are $5 per bowl of soup and $15 per quart, with pottery available for an additional $20 per bowl. More than 1,000 one-of-a-kind bowls were produced and donated by potters led by Indian River Clay.
“With the simple act of buying a bowl of soup or pottery, anyone can join us in helping families go from homelessness to living independently,” said Renee Bireley, Samaritan Center development manager. “You’ll help some of the neediest in our community, and in return, receive artfully crafted bowls that serve as gifts, keepsakes, and powerful reminders of your kindness.”
The Samaritan Center provides 24/7 shelter and care for homeless families, including case management, counseling, trauma support, life skills and educational programs aimed at fostering stability and independence. Since its founding, the center has assisted 730 families and nearly 1,500 children.
“Our Treasure Coast artists love contributing and making the Soup Bowl a true community partnership,” said Kim Mayo, a representative of Indian River Clay.
The Heritage Center, founded in 1990 to preserve and strengthen the community, is hosting the event.
“We’re honored to host this event, and come together to raise awareness and help homeless families in our community,” said Robyn Berry, the center’s director of development. “The Soup Bowl is a perfect reflection of that mission.”
The Soup Bowl began 33 years ago with the Samaritan Center’s advisory board, inspired by the idea that the homeless often rely on a simple bowl of soup for sustenance. Partnering with local artists, it has become an annual fundraiser to provide critical support for families.
The Samaritan Center is a transitional residential facility open to families of all faiths, equipping parents with skills for reintegration into society. It is a program of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach and a funded partner of the United Way and the Indian River County Children’s Services Advisory Council.
For details, visit the Samaritan Center Soup Bowl page on Facebook.
