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Bowls of Hope helps fill the bowls of those in need


  • By Ian Swaby
  • | 8:45 a.m. November 12, 2024
Gino Calleja and Cristel Ramires serve soup with Kolucan Mexican Bar and Grill.
Gino Calleja and Cristel Ramires serve soup with Kolucan Mexican Bar and Grill.
Photo by Ian Swaby
  • Sarasota
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The 1818 Grill is in its first year of business, and its owner Tommy Lovell said he wanted to continue the legacy of charity of the restaurant which formerly occupied the space, Knick's Tavern and Grill.

Among the many charity causes with which he decided to become involved was the annual Bowls of Hope fundraiser by All Faiths Food Bank.

"You couldn't pick a better charity to support and foster their growth in the community," he said. "They do great work, and we're just very proud to be a part of it."

The food bank's most attended fundraiser of the year, the event was held Nov. 10 at Ed Smith Stadium and brought together a sale of bowls by local artisans, and samples of soups and other items from local restaurants. 

All Faiths Food Bank CEO Nelle Miller said she was impressed with how the community came together in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, with the stadium already available to host the event. 

"The bowls are beautiful," she said. "It's incredible that all 40-plus vendors who brought soup showed up, because they donate all of their food and time, and they've all had their own issues as a result of the storm, so this is just an amazing, feel-good, generous, wonderful day."

Ken Brownley and Franck Johannesen of Sarasota Woodturners create a bowl from a wood block.
Ken Brownley and Franck Johannesen of Sarasota Woodturners create a bowl from a wood block.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Kristen Berry of Sarasota Clay Company makes a bowl.
Kristen Berry of Sarasota Clay Company makes a bowl.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Zoey Gross, 5, looks over the bowls.
Zoey Gross, 5, looks over the bowls.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Abigail Bragg and Jesse Mann of Siesta Key Oyster Bar serve soup to Samantha Lemmer.
Abigail Bragg and Jesse Mann of Siesta Key Oyster Bar serve soup to Samantha Lemmer.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Gino Calleja and Cristel Ramires serve soup with Kolucan Mexican Bar and Grill.
Gino Calleja and Cristel Ramires serve soup with Kolucan Mexican Bar and Grill.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Bob Simas, and Brian Smith of Bonefish Grill
Bob Simas, and Brian Smith of Bonefish Grill
Photo by Ian Swaby
Debra Thuet, whose son Jules Thuet co-owns Bread Bandits, offers a piece of its organic bread.
Debra Thuet, whose son Jules Thuet co-owns Bread Bandits, offers a piece of its organic bread.
Photo by Ian Swaby
The 1818 Grill owner Tommy Lovell and chef Fernando Jiminez offer soup to Lauren Koken.
The 1818 Grill owner Tommy Lovell and chef Fernando Jiminez offer soup to Lauren Koken.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Attendees could browse a variety of bowls.
Attendees could browse a variety of bowls.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Brandy Bay mixes a bowl of chili from Gecko's Grill & Pub.
Brandy Bay mixes a bowl of chili from Gecko's Grill & Pub.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Adrian Ruiz and Tyler Murner browse the bowls.
Adrian Ruiz and Tyler Murner browse the bowls.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Don and Barbara Pelersi browse the bowls.
Don and Barbara Pelersi browse the bowls.
Photo by Ian Swaby

 

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.

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