What is the Soup-A-Bowl and how did it come about? When I opened my gallery in 2003, 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. She never got to see my
gallery here in Charleston, but it is important for me to honor her, so that all of the hard work she did in raising me as a single
mother was for something. 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
