Building Community : Empty Bowl Dinner

Elfant Wissahickon Realtors was a major sponsor of the 20th Annual Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network‘s Empty Bowl Dinner.  The Empty Bowl Dinner is a fundraising event benefiting PIHN.  The event is a family-friendly, lively evening with entertainment and activities.  Held right before Thanksgiving at the start of the winter holiday season, a time when people reflect on their good fortune and the needs of others, PIHN’s Empty Bowl Dinner raises awareness about family hunger and homelessness. Guests choose a hand-made bowl, donated by local students or professional potters, in which to eat their meal. Soups, stews, breads, desserts and beverages have been graciously provided by local restaurants and cafes. After the meal, guests take their bowls home as a reminder that every night hundreds of families go hungry in the City of Philadelphia.

Elfant Wissahickon Realtors hosted the event’s raffle table.

Pictured above is one of the beautiful bowls donated by Neighborhood Potters.

Since 1991, Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network (PIHN) has has moved “325 families—910 individuals— from homelessness to stability”.  The PIHN program provides assessment and referrals, emergency housing, supportive service, and transitional housing in Northwest and Northeast Philadelphia.

EWR’s has been a longtime supporter of this event.  According to Executive Director Rachel Falcove, “this year’s Empty Bowl dinner raised over $40,000! An alumni family said the experience of being at the dinner was” like being in a roomful of love.”

Elfant Wissahickon Realtors volunteers for the evening included: Melinda Coughlin, Michelle Shlomo, Kate Shlomo, Bob Elfant, Karen Carrero, Karrie Gavin, Connie Gillespie, and Larry DiFranco, former PHIN Board Member.

Pictured behind table are Melinda Coughlin and Michele Shlomo

Kate Shlomo

Pictured speaking above is pottery made by Nina Gordon.

To learn more about Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network, click here!

Photography credit Elizabeth Hasier Photography