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Youth-Organized ‘Soup A Bowl’ Funds Food Pantry

ISLAMORADA (321 words) -- It took 10 eight-foot tables to display the colorful bowls created by youth in the Upper Keys for the March 6 “Soup A Bowl” event which raised more than $1,400 for the food pantry and community kitchen run by First Baptist Church of Islamorada.

“We did this because we wanted to go beyond coordinating a food drive and experience the kitchen and the people involved,” said Island Christian School Junior Melanie Meroni.

The event was coordinated by Monroe Youth Challenge Program’s Upper Keys PeaceJam youth whose members are from Island Christian School, Coral Shores High School, and home educated. The project was modeled after “Empty Bowls,” a national service learning movement and was in response to the PeaceJam Youth Board response to initiate a global call to action project in each area of the Keys.
The bowls were made by students in Coral Shores High School ceramics, art, and leadership classes, The Island Christian School Art Club, a 6th grade art class at Treasure Village Montessori, Wolf Pack Cub Scout Troop #912, and Upper Keys PeaceJammers.

The $5 dinner was provided by restaurant and community donations. Some meals were served in the 188 bowls made by students and volunteers. There was also a silent auction of bowls painted by artists from the Rainbarrel. All money went to the First Baptist Church of Islamorada Food Pantry and Community Kitchen which served 2,044 people and 3,322 dinners through the food pantry in 2009 respectively.

Joyce Wynne of First Baptist thanks the youth for their hard work and said, “What a wonderful evening!! We are all truly blessed.”

The Peacejam Youth Board is sponsored by MYCP. Monroe Youth Challenge Program is a project of the Monroe County Education Foundation to build Developmental Assets® and create opportunities so every child in Monroe County can feel safe, loved, and celebrated. For more information call MYCP Director Sunny Booker at (305) 293-1400 ext. 53319 or visit http://mycp.keysschools.com/.

The Peacejam Youth Board is sponsored by MYCP. Monroe Youth Challenge Program is a project of the Monroe County Education Foundation to build Developmental Assets® and create opportunities so every child in Monroe County can feel safe, loved, and celebrated. For information visit http://mycp.keysschools.com/.