THE CLATSOP COUNTY WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTER WILL HOLD ITS ANNUAL SOUP BOWL EVENT ON TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2008.

Tuesday, April 8, the Clatsop County Women’s Resource Center (WRC), in conjunction with Clatsop Community College’s (CCC) Art Department, will hold a Community Soup Bowl event, celebrating the community and the arts. The event will be in the “Red Building,” located at 20 Basin Street (in front of the Cannery Pier Hotel), from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

If you’ve purchased a soup/bowl ticket, you may select and take home a one­of-a-kind kiln or wood-fired bowl commemorating this event. Approximately 150 bowls have been specifically fashioned just for this event by professional potters.

Tickets are $30 for soup and a bowl and may be purchased in advance at any ticket outlet, including Lucy’s Books, the Déjà Vu Thrift Shop, the Cannon Beach and Seaside Chambers of Commerce and the WRC. The bowls go fast and are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis at the event. To purchase tickets using your VISA or MasterCard, call 325-3426 in advance. Tickets may also be purchased for $15 for just soup (no bowl). These tickets will be available for purchase at the door. Children under five (5) will be admitted free.

A wonderful selection of homemade soups, served by local soup “chefs,” promise to help ward off the evening’s chill. Fresh, delicious bread from Astoria’s own Blue Scorcher Bakery will add to the meal. There’ll also be wine and beer at a “no host” bar. As for dessert, you won’t want to forego a generous portion of homemade gingerbread topped with a dollop of real whipped cream. Ummmmm!

Those who take part in this annual celebration and fundraiser will be treated to a brief presentation about the WRC and an acknowledgement of potters, soup makers and volunteer staff. As a non-profit social service agency, the WRC furnishes free, confidential services for men, women, children and families who are victims of and survivors of intimate partner violence sexual assault. Its activities include a 24/7 crisis advocacy; year-round support groups; emergency shelter and food and clothing assistance; legal advocacy; a domestic and sexual assault response team; and employment training. The Pioneer House Homeless Shelter’s joining the WRC is added incentive to make this event an even greater success than last years!

So, bring your appetite (along with your sense of kinship with others who live and work in this area) to the Community Soup Bowl. You’re bound to see old friends and maybe make some new ones. Regardless, you’ll come away feeling a warmth that only good soup—combined with the knowledge that you’ve helped families in the community—provides. Treat yourself to a new, completely unique and original piece of pottery as well.

All proceeds from this event directly benefit clients served at the Clatsop County Women’s Resource Center. For more information, contact Pat Burness at the WRC, at 503-325-3426.