The Open Door  
Julie LaFontaine, President and CEO  
28 Emerson Ave.,  
Gloucester, MA 01930  

 
Media Contact: Kelsey Richards 
Email: kelsey.richards@foodpantry.org 
Phone: 978-283-6776 x 226 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
Thursday April 25, 2024 

The Open Door Empty Bowl Circus Brings Magic to Cruiseport, Supports Hunger-Relief 

GLOUCESTER— The Open Door’s circus-themed Empty Bowl fundraiser wowed crowds Wednesday, transforming Cruiseport Gloucester into a spectacle complete with performers, one-of-a-kind bowls, delicious soup, and a community united around hunger-relief. 

In all, 963 people attended Wednesday’s fundraiser including ticket-holders, volunteers, and staff.  

Each year, Empty Bowl raises funds for summer hunger-relief programs of The Open Door including Summer Meals for Kids and Mobile Market.  

“Empty Bowl Circus simply wouldn’t have been possible without a generous outpouring of support from local artists and performers, potters, restaurants, community groups, local businesses, and individuals who stepped up to make sure food is on the table for families and children this summer,” President and CEO Julie LaFontaine said. “Food insecurity doesn’t take a break and this fundraiser will help feed families and children when school is out, and children are most vulnerable.” 

Attendees on Wednesday chose a hand-painted bowl to keep as a reminder that somewhere, someone’s bowl is empty. Ticker holders also took home locally made soup or chowder to-go, bread, cookies, water, and fruit. 

The Open Door met a 30% increase in requests for food assistance last year.  

In 2023, the nonprofit helped stabilize the lives and health of 9,836 people from 4,952 households through the distribution of 1.98 million pounds of food. 

Wednesday’s fundraiser offered live circus-themed entertainment thanks to new local organization Seaside Circus Cape Ann. Performers at Wednesday’s event included: 

• Joel Hart, hand-balancer  
• Erin DeMay, juggler and aerialist 
• Kylie Rose, an aerialist and contortionist performed on the lollipop stand 
• Katelyn Beaudoin, a multi-disciplinary circus and theatre artist who performed on the lollipop stand 
• Judith Ngari, a contortionist 
• Soni Razdan, an aerialist and circus ballerina  
• Ky Bernard, an aerialist who performed on the lollipop stand 

• Jessica Guilmain, an aerial silks specialist, performed on the lollipop stand 

“When I started Seaside Circus Cape Ann my main goal was to bring people together, which is something The Open Door has been doing for years,” said Eileen Little, Founder and Owner of Seaside Circus Cape Ann. “After taking a tour of The Open Door, I was blown away by the passion and dedication of the employees and volunteers.  And I also learned how many in Gloucester are benefiting from this wonderful organization whose mission is to help those who need it the most. I am honored to be a part of this fundraiser!” 

Online Artists’ Bowls Auction 

Empty Bowl attendees also had a chance to view bowls made by local artists available for bid online at FOODPANTRY.org. 

The auction, held every year in conjunction with Empty Bowl, closes this year on Sunday, May 5 at midnight. Funds raised through the auction also support The Open Door summer hunger-relief programs including Summer Meals for Kids and Mobile Market.  

About The Open Door  

The mission of The Open Door is to alleviate the impact of hunger in our community. We use practical strategies to connect people to good food, to advocate on behalf of those in need, and to engage others in the work of building food security. 

Founded in 1978, The Open Door is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt nonprofit and community food resource center for low-income residents of Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester, Essex, Ipswich, Hamilton, Boxford, Rowley, Topsfield, and Wenham. In 2023, The Open Door helped stabilize the lives and health of 9,836 people from 4,952 households through the distribution of 1.98 million pounds of food. 

For more information, visit FOODPANTRY.org. 

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