The annual SOUPer Saturday fundraiser event was held at the Torpedo Factor Art Center on Feb. 18, 2017, organized for the 25th year by generous talented ceramic artists. Since the event's inception, hosted initially by the Hollin Hills Potters, the artists have raised more than $60,000 for UCM to assist neighbors in need.
Pictured are 2017 event organizers ceramic artist Stephen Lally (far left) and fellow artist Susan Greenleaf (center), with UCM Board Member Claudia Creo (right).
"We were happy to help again this year," says Stephen. "We raised more than $3,500. It was a lot of team effort and logistics, but so worth it to make a meaningful impact that will help local families who struggle to put food on the table. As artists, we welcome the opportunity to support our community with our creativity and art."
Every year, hundreds of one-of-a-kind handcrafted ceramic bowls are donated by the artists and are for sale at a special $20 price. Chart House restaurant donates a cup of its award-winning clam chowder for each patron. "The event is inspiring and symbolic," say Diane Hill, UCM Development and Communications Officer. "The beautiful bowls represent the empty bowls and cupboards of hungry families in our community. The funds raised help fill those pantries with food and bring relief with other support services from UCM to break the cycle of poverty."
Pictured are 2017 event organizers ceramic artist Stephen Lally (far left) and fellow artist Susan Greenleaf (center), with UCM Board Member Claudia Creo (right).
"We were happy to help again this year," says Stephen. "We raised more than $3,500. It was a lot of team effort and logistics, but so worth it to make a meaningful impact that will help local families who struggle to put food on the table. As artists, we welcome the opportunity to support our community with our creativity and art."
Every year, hundreds of one-of-a-kind handcrafted ceramic bowls are donated by the artists and are for sale at a special $20 price. Chart House restaurant donates a cup of its award-winning clam chowder for each patron. "The event is inspiring and symbolic," say Diane Hill, UCM Development and Communications Officer. "The beautiful bowls represent the empty bowls and cupboards of hungry families in our community. The funds raised help fill those pantries with food and bring relief with other support services from UCM to break the cycle of poverty."
"This is a wonderful annual community event, that we all look forward to every year," says Emily Griffin, UCM Development Associate. "Ihe event brings together together community members in such a creative way. We so appreciate the generous ceramic artists for donating and sharing their talents to support neighbors in need – and dedicated volunteers of all ages helping out, including the teens and officers from the Fairfax County Police Explorers Post 2250."
Pictured enjoying a SOUPer Saturday event are (from left): Friend of UCM Sandy Doyle, ceramic artist Susie Cohen, UCM Board Member Suzy Coffey, UCM volunteer Savatri Ramsamooj, and former UCM Board Member Diane Tollefson.
We extend a special thank you to the ceramic artists who participated including members of the Kiln Club of Washington and the Ceramics Guild -- and event partners The Torpedo Factory Art Center and Chart House restaurant for their many years of delicious clam chowder donations.”
We extend a special thank you to the ceramic artists who participated including members of the Kiln Club of Washington and the Ceramics Guild -- and event partners The Torpedo Factory Art Center and Chart House restaurant for their many years of delicious clam chowder donations.”
