With temperatures dropping the way they do every fall, there is nothing better than a nice, hot bowl of soup. And what better to accompany it than a new, handmade ceramic bowl?

On November 5, the Wayne Township ceramics class (taught by Cara. Heusel) is hosting a charity event in the High School lunchroom and commons. This charity, rightfully named Empty Bowls, will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 and invites you and your family to enjoy a hot soup dinner and a beautiful new bowl.  For only $10, you can purchase dinner and a student-made ceramic bowl of your choosing. Every bowl is made by Mrs. Heusel ‘s ceramics students using red clay and painted with glaze. Over 150 bowls have been made and some are being donated by other school districts.

Both Chef Nick Mayes and Chef Daniel Schifano are having their culinary arts students prepare and serve the soup. Ingredients will be prepared before the service and then made into the several delicious soup options the day of the event where they will be served hot from crockpots.

Here are the enticing menu options:

New England Clam Chowder
Fresh clams, potato, bacon, onion, garlic

Creamy Corn Bisque
Sweet corn, onion, jalapeño

Vietnamese Pho
Noodles, shaved beef, cilantro, chilies, peanuts

Roasted Chicken Tortilla
Slow-roasted chicken, corn, jalapeño, avocado, cilantro, crispy tortillas

When selecting the soups for the event’s menu, Chef Shifano states that he and Chef Mayes wanted “variety” for both the students preparing the food and the people consuming it, They wanted to make sure to provide “ethnic” choices for the many cultures that Wayne Township proudly represents. Every soup is made from scratch using ingredients from a local Indianapolis company, McFarlen.

Mayes’ and Shifano’s students prepared soup before as part of their curriculum, while no having experience with the exact soups made for the event.

This event is both an opportunity for culinary arts students and ceramics students to hone their newly learned skills in a work environment, as well as an opportunity for the residents of Wayne Township to not only support their students and fellow residents, but also to see firsthand the talent that our students have.

All of the proceeds will be donated to the Wayne Township food pantry to provide food for those who struggle, especially during the holidays.

So tonight, we would love for you and your friends and family to come down to the Ben Davis High School to support students and also, buy a warm bowl of soup and a lovely ceramic to take home with you.