Bethpage student artists come together to fight hunger

The Bethpage school community gathered in the Bethpage High School cafeteria on March 16 for the high school’s first Empty Bowls Fundraiser. The special event, organized by Bethpage High School’s ceramic artists and art teacher Elena Cardo, raised $2,600 for Island Harvest, a hunger-relief organization on Long Island.

The fundraiser began as an idea amongst Bethpage High School seniors Alyssa Khan and Athanasia Panagos. Together, they formed a branch of the Empty Bowls Project, a grassroots organization with the goal to end hunger, with other Bethpage High School students.

This past fall, the group came together to start creating unique, handmade ceramic bowls. It was a collaborative effort among those in the school’s sculpture and college pottery classes, along with other art students. Together, they created more than 230 bowls for the Empty Bowls Fundraiser.

“It was this big community event where everyone worked together,” said Khan. “We made the bowls, glazed the bowls… everything is entirely student-made.”

Attendees entered the cafeteria where they were welcome to pick one of the ceramic bowls to call their own. Wearing matching t-shirts, ceramic students mingled with attendees and helped them with their bowl selection. After picking their favorite piece, each attendee was able to enjoy chicken noodle, lentil or matzo ball soup in their new bowl. The soup was provided by Aramark, Bethpage High School’s food provider.

As the community enjoyed their delicious soup, Bethpage High School student-musician Matthew Schneider performed songs on his guitar and ceramic students showcased their pottery skills through demonstrations in the back of the cafeteria. Attendees were also encouraged to participate in raffles to help support Island Harvest. Raffle items were donated from local businesses around town.

The event not only allowed the Bethpage community to come togeth - er for a great cause, but it allowed students to share their creativity with others. Khan and Panagos hope that this year’s Empty Bowls fundraiser is just the start for the high school and that it will continue for years to come.