Enjoying the fare and fun during the Empty Bowls fundraiser event at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional are (left to right) Bill Handerhan and his daughters Sara and Julia.

Press release from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School

The community came out in force for the annual Empty Bowls fundraiser hosted by Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School. Held in the RFH Cafeteria on the evening of March 3,

the event raised $2,900 for the Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties – equaling roughly 8,700 meals for the organization that alleviates hunger though child nutrition programs, a mobile pantry, a senior food program, and nutrition education.

Empty Bowls is named for the situation faced by local families struggling to put food on the table. Each year the event is open to the public, and features beautiful original artwork in the form of colorful bowls created by RFH ceramics students. Just ten dollars purchased one of the ceramic bowls, as well as soup, bread, and dessert.

Taking part in the Empty Bowls fundraiser are RFH Cooking Club members (front row, left to right) Anna McAndrews and Julia Amendola and (back row, left to right) Grace Geiger, Katie Korchak, Sinead Hogan, Neva Coleman, Emily Boak, Jenna Sandoli, Advisor Linda Wien Murray, and Michaela Lake.

Rumson-based businesses Cups & Cakes and Crazees Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt were Community Sponsors of the event, for which a variety of soups was provided by members of the RFH school community, including staff members. Breads and desserts were provided by the RFH Cooking Club as well as RFH staff, students, and community volunteers.

RFH ceramics students as well as members of the RFH Character Education Club and RFH Cooking Club provided a helping hand. Sophomores Brian Incremona and Leo Maita provided music to dine by.

This year’s fundraiser featured a lucky chance drawing for ceramic pieces donated by local artists Lauren Bellero, Denise Ciolino, Steve Jaskowak, Greg LaPlaca, Judi Tavill, and Zack Wilson.

Event coordinators were RFH Art Teacher Zack Wilson, Library Media Specialist Linda Wien Murray, and Guidance Counselor Jason Lippart. RFH parent volunteers were Marianne Velcamp, Jen Shaw, and Annie McGinty.

Now in its 25th year, the Empty Bowls Project is an international grassroots effort to raise both money and awareness in the fight to end hunger. More information can be found at

emptybowls.net.