St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore will host its 20th annual Empty Bowls fundraiser in April, raising money to help Baltimoreans suffering from hunger, homelessness, and poverty.
The two-day event begins Friday, April 17 with Candlelight & Clay: an evening reception with an open bar, music, dancing, and other entertainment. There will be a silent auction, dishes from local restaurants, and souvenir bowls. On Saturday, April 18, the organization will hold the Annual Family Event, with savory soups and food from local restaurants, auction items, entertainment, and activities for the entire family to enjoy.
Both events will take place at the Maryland State Fairgrounds’ Exhibition Hall. At each, attendees will be able to browse thousands of hand-crafted souvenir bowls, choosing one to take home as a reminder of the mission to help the hungry and struggling members of the Baltimore community.
“Empty Bowls is such a special event for our community,” said Mary Helfrich, chief advancement officer of St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore. “For 20 years, it’s been a way for people to come together, share a meal, and make a real difference for those struggling with hunger, homelessness, and poverty. We’re so grateful for the incredible support from our neighbors and partners who help bring this event to life and make our work possible.”
While last year, a Johns Hopkins University survey showed that food insecurity declined in Baltimore City by 7.5%, 28% of residents still reported experiencing hunger and facing barriers to access to grocery stores. The racial disparity was stark, with 37% of Black residents experiencing food insecurity compared to 17% of white residents. Baltimore City Health Department attempts to combat this with programs like Baltimarket and the Virtual Supermarket Program, but organizations like SVDP still find that plenty of people need their help.
St. Vincent de Paul is a nonprofit whose mission is to give people struggling with poverty the skills, resources, and opportunities to reach their full potential. In 2025, Empty Bowls raised $154,000, with more than 700 people attending the event.
Tickets are available for both Empty Bowls event now, and for Saturday’s Annual Family Event, there is early bird pricing and children 9 and under attend for free.
