I know this is supposed to be a Real Estate blog, in which I should be doing my best to attract clients and show you all how great I am at Real Estate. However, sometimes the people of Naples come together and remind me of why I first wanted to make my home in Naples in the first place.
Each year, a wonderful community project takes place, right downtown in Cambier Park. I had originally gone downtown to view ‘Chalk’ which takes place on the street, right outside my office. The blacktop is covered by chalk pictures, produced by both professional and budding artists of all ages. After walking the length of 5th Avenue South, I decided to take the back way through the park to avoid the crowds. That is when I discovered Empty Bowls!
The Empty Bowls event is held yearly in January. The idea is to go to the park purchase a ticket to join in the event, then with that ticket, you get a free bowl! The bowls themselves are delightful, each one handmade locally, by volunteers, who either make the bowl or others who hand paint it! There are literally hundreds to choose from, long trestle tables are festooned with brightly colored, unique bowls. Exchange your ticket, choose a bowl, then off to join the soup lines! The bowl is yours to keep, plus you can get it filled with the soup of the day! There is also a huge silent auction with some exceptional pieces of art going on throughout the entire event.
All profits from this event go to local community food banks and aid in the fight against hunger that exists in America today. In this upper-class paradise of Naples, it’s hard to think of anyone going hungry, or needing help but sadly it’s true. Last year the event raised $97,000 which was donated to the Harry Chapin Food Bank.
As soon as the January event is over, the bowl making and painting starts again in earnest. Events such as “public painting” where anyone can join in and try their hand at painting a bowl, events such as these take place throughout the year. At their local headquarters. Empty Bowls encourages artists and those not so artistic to join them in their efforts to make money for this wonderful cause. This year I am told they ran out of bowls, I am sure that anyone offering help will be welcomed with open arms.
