The Open Door Empty Bowl Enchanted Forest Captivates Community, Alleviates Hunger 

GLOUCESTER— The Open Door Empty Bowl Enchanted Forest transformed Cruiseport Gloucester into a lush, fairytale escape Thursday, raising critical funds for summer food assistance programs at a time when people need help most.  

Last year, The Open Door distributed 2.35 million pounds of food to 11,893 people through its Food Pantries. The nonprofit met a 30% increase in requests for food assistance in 2024, through 100,774 visits. The Open Door also met a 30% increase in requests for food assistance in 2023.  

The above increased need does not include impacts due to looming cuts to federal service agencies or increased costs due to tariffs.  

“Even before recent cuts to federal funding, local people were working hard to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table,” said President and CEO Julie LaFontaine. “Now they are working harder. The Empty Bowl reminds us of our community strength, raises our hopes, and brings in critical funds for our summer programs.”    

Through the fundraiser, nearly 1,000 people arrived to discover Cruiseport Gloucester had morphed into an Enchanted Forest Thursday, complete with magical characters including fairies and elves, performed by the Cape Ann Shakespeare Troupe.  

Funds raised at the event support The Open Door summer programs including Summer Meals for Kids, Mobile Market, and Food Pantries.  

Attendees took home locally decorated bowls to keep as a reminder that somewhere, someone’s bowl is empty. Ticket holders also received locally made soup or chowder to-go, bread, fruit, cookies, and water.  

Soup and chowder were prepared by the following local partners: Addison Gilbert Hospital, The Causeway, Common Crow, George’s, J.T. Farnham’s, Lobsta Land, Mile Marker One, Relish Catering, Seaport Grille, Tim S. Hopkins Catering, Turner’s Seafood, Woodman’s and Duckworth’s. The Open Door kitchen also prepared soup and chowder. Bread was provided by Alexandra’s Bread and Virgilio’s, and Michelle Riordan baked cookies for the event.  

Beautiful bowls and platters handmade by local artists were also on display at the event. Each year, local potters Marty Morgan and Nina Goodick coordinate the online artists’ bowls auction. Morgan has helped organize the auction since the first The Open Door Empty Bowl in 2001. 

“The first year all the bowls were donated by my potter friends. Now we have hundreds of people in the community coming together to paint bowls, and in the process make a profound connection with the work of The Open Door,” Morgan said. “For years I’ve watched this wonderful outpouring of love and creativity from artists and local people who really care about supporting their neighbors.” 

The artist bowls are available in the online auction found at: FOODPANTRY.org. 

Bidding ends Sunday, May 4 at 6PM (EST).  

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, Wenham, and Georgetown. In 2024, The Open Door distributed 2.35 million pounds of food to 11,893 people through its Food Pantries. The nonprofit met a 30% increase in requests for food assistance in 2024,  through 100,774 visits. 

For more information, visit FOODPANTRY.org. 

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