Project MOST Preps Empty Bowls

More than 30 local chefs will gather to prepare delicious soups at the 10th annual Empty Bowls event to benefit Project MOST, on Sunday, March 10, from 12 to 3 PM, at the American Legion Post 419 in Amagansett.

Project MOST is an East Hampton based non-profit organization providing after school programming at John Marshall Elementary and at Springs School. At the event, guests will have the opportunity to meet the students, their families, and student leaders in high school and college, and learn about the positive impact the organization has had on their lives.

Mike Rusinsky will be playing music to warm the soul as the soup warms the bellies of the community. Culinary participants include Almond, Art of Eating, Bostwick’s Catering, Mill House Inn, A Kitchen 4 Liam, Nick & Toni’s, La Fondita, One Stop Market, Springs General Store, Stuart’s Seafood Market, Dreesen’s Donuts, Estia’s Little Kitchen, Wölffer Kitchen, and Sabrosa. The Wellness Foundation will return this year as the event’s nutrition partner, with several plant-based soup options. To top off the celebration, a 10th anniversary birthday cake will be provided by Carissa’s Bakery and donuts served by Dreesen’s.

The “Empty Bowl” Award this year will be presented to Colin Ambrose from Estia’s Little Kitchen in Sag Harbor for his continuous support of the after school enrichment programs in East Hampton, and an Empty Bowls participant since its inception. In addition, Ambrose has supported Project MOST’s annual plant sale and the 2015 Eileen’s Angels Fundraiser.

“The restaurants, chefs, and local businesses should be applauded for their continuing participation each year for the past 10 years,” said Rebecca Morgan Taylor, Project MOST’s executive director.

“The interest and turnout for this event are a shining example of the far-reaching impact that our program has had on the entire community. Since 2000, our enrichment programs have touched the lives of over 6000 students — 350 students daily — and their working families who are the backbone of this community. We are very grateful,” she added.

The New York state grant of $137,500, for Springs School’s third to eighth graders, ends August of this year with an uncertain renewal. According to Project MOST’s website, its projected goal is an additional $150,000, to bring its total annual donations to $400,000, in order to be financially secure and free of being reliant on NYS grants.

“Project MOST has made great progress over the past year. We have re-branded, added five new board members, are in the process of revamping our website, and have a plan for growth. The staff and our board are committed to taking Project MOST to the next level,” Taylor concluded.

The American Legion Post 419 is located at 15 Montauk Highway in Amagansett. Tickets are $15 per adult and $5 per child 13 years of age or younger; kids under five are admitted free. Visit www.projectmost.com for tickets and more information.

nicole@indyeastend.com