Newtown High School Bowl & Soup Fundraiser For CAN

By Laurie Borst

Newtown’s First Selectman Herb Rosenthal visited Newtown High School with his dog, Max, for the Bowl & Soup event that kicked off on February 8. The perky little dog, adopted from the pound, brought smiles to everyone in the lobby.

The Bowl & Soup Fundraiser provides the opportunity to purchase a new piece of handmade crockery, fill your belly, and help Canine Advocates of Newtown fill their coffers for a new dog pound.

The fundraiser was suggested by art teacher Carol Pelligra, who said she had seen it done other places. Working with her Art Club students and her advisory group, about 30 students total, Ms Pelligra facilitated the creation of 104 stone and earthenware bowls.

“Some of the bowls were thrown on the wheel,” said Ms Pelligra, “and some were shaped by hand. The bowls are food-safe, of course.”

Culinary teacher Brian Neumeyer donated his students’ skills in the kitchen, producing pots of soup to fill the bowls. During lunch at the high school on February 8 and 9, students, teachers, and a few members of the community purchased a bowl and soup for $10. Bowls could be purchased separately for $5.

Student Alex Zachos’ posters, which he created in PowerPoint to advertise the event, were hung all over the school.

A special bowl created by Ms Pelligra for CAN was presented to Virginia Jess, a CAN volunteer.

Bowls and soup were also sold on February 9. Additional days for sales are February 15 and 16. Students receive community service hours for their participation in the project.