Community gathers for a heartfelt afternoon of soup, music, and support to help end homelessness

By Hayley Mattson and Camille DeVaul 

ATASCADERO — The Pavilion on the Lake was buzzing with warmth, purpose, and community spirit on Thursday, April 10, as ECHO (El Camino Homeless Organization) hosted its annual Empty Bowls Luncheon. The in-person event brought together hundreds of community members, local artists, restaurants, and leaders to raise funds for ECHO’s critical services supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness in San Luis Obispo County.

Wendy Lewis, president and CEO of ECHO, shared her excitement about the event’s overwhelming success: “This year’s Empty Bowls in Atascadero was our most successful yet. We had more attendees than ever before, more bowls donated, and more local restaurants participating. It was an incredible outpouring of community support.”

Empty Bowls has long been a cherished event that blends community engagement with artistic collaboration and culinary delight. Attendees enjoyed a variety of hearty soups donated by local restaurants, accompanied by artisan breads. As part of the tradition, guests selected a handmade ceramic bowl to take home as a meaningful reminder of the event’s mission: to help fill empty bowls in the community by supporting those without a place to call home.

More than 1,000 ceramic bowls were donated this year across ECHO’s Empty Bowls events in Atascadero and Paso Robles. The Atascadero luncheon alone distributed over 350 bowls, each one crafted by a mix of local artists, students from elementary and high schools, and even Cuesta College ceramic students. “It was so inspiring to see the artistry,” said Lewis. “From professional ceramicists to young students, everyone contributed to something beautiful.”

Photos by Rick Evans/ATN

The afternoon wasn’t just about delicious soups and handcrafted bowls — it was a true celebration of community spirit.Guests were warmly welcomed and served by local “celebrity servers,” including prominent community figures such as the Atascadero police and fire chiefs, beloved Atascadero News columnist and volunteer Barbie Butz, and newly named Atascadero Citizen of the Year Rick Evans. Joining them were former Atascadero Mayor and current San Luis Obispo County Supervisor Heather Moreno, current Mayor Charles Bourbeau, Atascadero Chamber CEO Josh Cross, and many other dedicated leaders who stepped up to serve with smiles and heart.

The Pavilion on the Lake provided a picturesque setting for this year’s Empty Bowls luncheon, enhancing the warm and welcoming atmosphere. Several new elements added a special touch to the event, including refreshing mocktails served at the entrance and a polished, restaurant-style experience with ECHO board members serving as maître d’s, guiding guests to their seats. Live music by local favorite Chuck Starnes set the tone for the afternoon.

“Chuck plays music every Tuesday evening at our Atascadero shelter during dinner — it’s become such a beautiful part of the experience,” Lewis shared. “We invited him to perform at Empty Bowls, and not only did he say yes, but he also asked to be a sponsor of the event. He sees the impact of our work firsthand and wanted to support the outcomes we’reachieving in a meaningful way.”

A notable addition this year was the expanded partnership with The Pottery, a local studio with locations throughout the county. Its “Make-A-Bowl, Give-A-Bowl” program allowed participants to create bowls in workshops, with proceeds and donations supporting ECHO. “This type of hands-on engagement builds awareness while raising funds,” said Lewis.

Beyond the event’s celebratory atmosphere, the purpose remains vital. Funds raised from Empty Bowls go directly toward ECHO’s housing and support programs. And the need is still great. “We have over 200 individuals on our waitlist,” Lewis explained. “While we’re not necessarily seeing a higher need than before, the demand remains constant, and we know there’s still so much more to do.”

Despite some challenges, ECHO continues to exceed its own benchmarks. “As of yesterday, we’ve already helped 146 individuals and families into stable housing this year. We’re on track to outpace our record-setting numbers from the past two years,” Lewis proudly noted.

With more than 30 sponsors supporting this year’s Empty Bowls—another record-breaking figure—Lewis believes the growing community support reflects an understanding of ECHO’s long-term impact. “People are seeing the transformation in the lives of their neighbors. They want to be part of that solution.”

For those who missed the Atascadero event, there’s still a chance to join the cause. The next Empty Bowls celebration takes place in Paso Robles on Wednesday, April 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Studios on the Park, located at 1130 Pine St. The evening event offers a cozy reception featuring soup tastings, curated local wines, live music, and studio art. Guests will also take home a handcrafted ceramic bowl, echoing the mission that no one should go without a warm meal — or a place to call home.

For more information about ECHO’s work or to get involved, visit echoshelter.org.

Feature Image: SLO County Supervisor Heather Moreno and Atascadero Chamber of Commerce CEO Josh Cross were among the”celebrity servers” who poured ladles of soup for the Atascadero Empty Bowls Luncheon on Thursday, April 10. Photo by Rick Evans/ATN