Souperbowls of Hope 1

9 November 2015Rachel C, Hope ‘16

Eighteen years ago, Brentwood’s potters supported the Youth Empowerment Society for the first time to raise money with their Souperbowls of Hope. What are these kryptonite-fearing bowls raising money for? For young people who, through any number of twists of life, have ended up on the streets in cities not too far from home, needing a helping hand. Brentwood potters have spent these last 18 years doubling their first art project of the year as a charity donation to Souperbowls as a way to give back to the community. It’s a perfect combination of those two values we are supposed to embody: grit and joy. Brand-new potters, most of whom have never sat at a wheel, wedged a block of clay, or fired a kiln in their lives before Brentwood, jump into pottery, quickly learning the basics and using their new skills to provide for charity. And what a charity to give to. For me, it’s something that shows me how lucky I have things at Brentwood, where we have three fantastic meals prepared for us every day, and an opportunity to do something for the people our own age in need. It could have just as easily been us in a twist of fate. And so, just like every year of the last 18, Brentonian potters, spearheaded by the determined Mrs. Peggy Elmes, will gladly give away their art to help a charity, headed by an equally determined Helen Hughes, to help our less-fortunate peers. Rachel C, Hope ‘16

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