Board members Mari Ludwig, Kathy Lange, Judith Hecht, and Sister Elise Saggau serve soup.
By Sister Elise Saggau
Each year, Oasis Central Minnesota sponsors a unique people-pleasing fundraiser called “Empty Bowls.” For the price of admission, guests receive a handmade pottery bowl that they can use to sample up to a dozen varieties of hearty homemade soups—all donated by local establishments. The soup, together with homemade bread and a large selection of bars and cookies, provides an abundant and tasty meal. Between servings, participants can enjoy an extravagant silent auction. All the profits benefit the hungry and homeless of the local community. This year, Empty Bowls was held at the First Lutheran Church in Little Falls on, March 26.
Oasis Central Minnesota was incorporated in 1988 by a group of residents concerned about local food insecurity. They began providing a free community meal once a week. In 2015, identifying homelessness and housing insecurity as a growing community concern, Oasis shifted its focus.
Today, funded only by donations, private foundation grants, and State of Minnesota grants, Oasis Central Minnesota provides emergency housing in a motel setting and operates an apartment complex for families. It also offers case management to individuals and families experiencing homelessness and provides some fundamental necessities on a case-by-case basis.
Rose Surma heads up operations, supported by a small staff and a governing board of local citizens. The Franciscan Sisters have held a seat on this board for many years, beginning with Sister Georgine Larson. She was succeeded by Sister Clara Stang, who in turn was succeeded by Sister Elise Saggau, who serves today.
Oasis Central Minnesota operates with the philosophy of building community by working together as neighbors. Its programming aims not only to provide access to basic necessities but also to build community. Its annual “Empty Bowls” event is a prime example of this philosophy.
