What is the Soup-A-Bowl and how did it come about? When I opened my gallery in 2005, I knew I wanted to do something to help the Hollings
Cancer Center, here in Charleston. The work the people at Hollings do to help heal the patients and families of those afflicted with
cancer is truly heroic. Unfortunately I know too well what it's like to see someone I love face cancer. My mother, Margaret, died
in 2001 of breast cancer. If I am at all a success today it is due to her love and patience with me. I miss her everyday, and
in honor of her, I decided I would use my talent as a potter to try and raise money and awareness of the work done at Hollings.
Each year I make nearly 200 soup bowls, and host a fundraiser here at my gallery, with 100% of the proceeds going to Hollings.
Here's
how it works-- you choose your favorite bowl, then fill it with soup graciously donated by Five Loaves Cafe, while enjoying
wonderful acoustic music performed by the 'Hungry Monks'. Treat yourself to great soup, music and conversation
as you dine in my gallery, and at the end of the evening you take your new bowl home to enjoy. The Soup-a-Bowl takes place each March,
usually in the 2nd or 3rd week. If you are going to be in Charleston and would like to attend, contact me and I will send you an e-vite.
I'd like to thank all of those who came out this past year and supported this cause, as well as the tireless volunteers from
Hollings, and my friends without whose help I couldn't have accomplished any of this.
In Memory of Margaret R. Neal
1947-2001
