Since May 2001, artists have joined to create a distinctive event in Washington, DC – an upscale fundraiser that makes a significant difference in the lives of the homeless. Miriam's Kitchen is an organization that provides food as well as a wide range of social services to the homeless and has been actively serving the homeless since 1983.

Every year, Miriam's Kitchen has a fundraiser called "100 Bowls Of Compassion" to raise money by auctioning off dinnerware of various media: wood, ceramic, glass, metal, paper, photos, paintings or drawings.

CAW would like to challenge all Woodturners to make one, two or three pieces of dinnerware (bowls, rolling pins, salt shakers/pepper mills, vases/vessels, platters, goblets, and candle holders) and donate them to this event. Those of you who donate one item, will receive a ticket to the event. For a donation of two or more pieces, you will receive two complimentary tickets. Individual tickets sell for $250. The event has a live and silent auction along with live music, gourmet dinner and an open bar.

This is an opportunity to help the community as well as get some exposure for woodturning. Artist's names are listed next to their bowls (and business cards if you have them), as well as an artist statement if they choose to have one (the club name can also be listed there).

See the Artist Donation Form and the 2009 Call to Artists for more information, if your are interested in this worthy cause. Donations are due by April 24, 2009. All the information you need is on these two documents. The event this year is scheduled for Thursday, May 14, 2009 from 6 - 9:30 p.m. at the National Building Museum in DC. Your donations will be collected at April's CAW meeting if you choose not to mail or deliver them yourselves. However, you are free to personally deliver and/or mail your donation if that works better for you. Our contact at Miriam's Kitchen is Kristi Martinsen, 301-219-0776 or 100bowls@gmail.com.