We have hundreds of bowls from which to choose. After the bowl selection and on the way to dinner, guests can view a throwing demonstration and make their first bids in the silent art auction largely composed of works from our group. Second to ticket sales, a significant portion of the funds raised comes from the auction.
After going through the soup line for soup, bread, and a dessert; the diners then proceed to the Boyd dining room which has been festooned with floral arrangements. There is live musical entertainment throughout the dinner.
Towards the end of the evening, the bowls not chosen from the bowl room go on sale. At about the same time, the silent auction comes to a climactic close with a few bidding wars.
By focusing on filling local needs, we have raised over $110,000.00 over the last 5 years, all of it going to support local charities. Some of these have been: The Union Mission, The Judeo-Christian Outreach Center, The Help and Emergency Outreach Shelter, The Oasis Social Ministries, The Food Bank of South Eastern Virginia and The Union Mission.
Bowls from CDA, an elegant venue on the Virginia Wesleyan University Campus, flowers donated by The Virginia Beach Garden Club, volunteers from all the groups, avid dinner guests, and an idea from a high school teacher with his students all come together for a magical evening in our version of an Empty Bowls Dinner.