Join St. Vincent de Paul CARES on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM at Coastal Creative for the impactful 12th Annual Empty Bowls event, proudly presented by philanthropists Dick and Joyce Funk. This beloved community gathering aims to raise awareness and funds to fight hunger and homelessness in our community.
The event will take place at: Coastal Creative, 2201 1st Avenue South, St. Pete, FL 33712.
Tickets are just $25 and include:
• Entry to the Event
• Choice of Handcrafted Bowl
• Choice of 12 Soups from Various Local Restaurants
• Live Music
• Silent Auction
Get your ticket(s) at https://bit.ly/empty-bowls-svdpc.
Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy a day filled with art, music, and inspirational stories. Renowned local artist Brandon Thrift will perform live art demonstrations, while musician Steve Balasteri will set the mood with his soulful tunes.
The program will commence at 11:30 AM with an exciting kickoff, inviting guests to browse a collection of handcrafted bowls and silent auction items, followed by a soup lunch symbolizing the beginnings of St. Vincent de Paul CARES and the simplicity of the meal shared by those we serve. At noon, St. Vincent de Paul CARES CEO Michael Raposa will deliver opening remarks, highlighting the organization’s mission and the critical support provided by the community.
Michael Raposa, CEO of St. Vincent de Paul CARES, shared his enthusiasm about the event: “Empty Bowls is more than just a fundraiser; it’s a powerful expression of community solidarity and compassion towards those facing hunger and homelessness. Every bowl purchased and every dollar raised brings hope and practical help to those in need.”
At 12:30 PM, the event will feature live testimonies from veterans and families who have been directly impacted by the support of St. Vincent de Paul CARES, sharing their journeys of resilience and hope. The silent auction will conclude at 1:45 PM, followed by the announcement of winners and final remarks.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supports this event, making it possible for us to continue our work. Together, we are making homelessness rare, brief, and one-time.
For tickets and more information, please visit https://www.svdpsp.org/annual-events/empty-bowls/.
About St. Vincent de Paul CARES: St. Vincent de Paul CARES is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness through comprehensive programs, partnerships and providing support and advocacy for individuals and families striving to achieve sustainable independence. St. Vincent de Paul CARES serves 19 counties across 7,678+ square miles of the state of Florida, including Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Desoto, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, and Sumter counties.