WESTFORD — Students at Westford Academy will host their annual Empty Bowls Charity Dinner Thursday evening, raising funds for the Westford Food Pantry at the Cameron Senior Center.
Organized by the school’s National Honor Society, the dinner has been in preparation since the fall and invites students, parents and community members to enjoy an evening supporting the local food pantry and student scholarships.
The event will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on March 12 in the Westford Academy cafeteria. Guests will pick up their pre-ordered soup and make donations before selecting a handcrafted ceramic bowl created by National Honor Society and Art Honor Society students. The bowls are made over several weeks, with students shaping, firing and glazing them in the school’s kiln.
Each bowl also contains a raffle ticket for themed baskets assembled by National Honor Society members, including movie night, candy and gardening baskets. The soup, prepared by the Westford Academy cafeteria staff, will be served in travel containers, so guests can enjoy it at the event or take it home.
The evening takes many months of preparation, with students and staff working up until the day of.
“As my predecessor taught me, it never feels like it’s going to be ready, and then it’s always dynamite,” WA National Honors Society Faculty Advisor Gil Fuhr said, “The kids do a great job. They are fantastic, hardworking, and truly care about their community.”
Throughout the evening, students will perform live music and give presentations about several community service opportunities in town. The presentations, organized by both National Honor Society members and local volunteer organizations, are designed to encourage younger students to get involved in service projects.
Fuhr said the event not only raises funds for an important cause but also highlights the work students are doing in their community.
“Service is something we don’t hear enough about,” Fuhr said. “Kids get recognition for grades or sports, but this is a chance to highlight what they’re doing to help their neighbors and the town.”
The National Honor Society typically hosts one major event each month, including a veterans’ fundraiser, the “Wig Out” awareness event for cancer research, and the Empty Bowls Charity Dinner.
“It’s important to look around and see, ‘How can I help my neighbors?’ and ‘How can I help the people I live in town with?’” Fuhr said, “Westford is a great town. A lot of people contribute to make it that way, and it’s nice to see kids grow into that role.”
Fuhr encourages residents who cannot attend this year to consider participating in future events. Anyone interested in learning more about this event may contact Fuhr at gfuhr@westfordk12.us.
