Number of Participants: 30
Hours Donated: 10
Value of Time Served: $10,437
Event Amount Raised: $10,000
Event Type: Hunger
Activity: Club
School: Cretin-Derham Hall High School
Date: February 1, 2026
Location:
Cretin-Derham Hall High School
South Albert Street, Saint Paul
MN
About:
At Cretin-Derham Hall, service and community impact are deeply woven into school traditions — and few initiatives reflect that more powerfully than the long-standing Empty Bowls program. This annual event continues to shine a meaningful light on the critical issue of hunger and food insecurity while empowering students to take action.
Now in its 24th year, the Empty Bowls initiative is led by Mr. Peter Gleich and brings students together around a shared mission of raising awareness about hunger both locally and globally. This year alone, more than 30 students played active roles in planning and executing the event, gaining valuable experience in leadership, organization, and service.
The program has become a cornerstone of the school’s culture of giving. Over its history, Empty Bowls has raised nearly $200,000 to support hunger relief efforts, including an impressive $10,000 generated this year. The event also drew more than 800 attendees, demonstrating the strength of the Cretin-Derham Hall community and its collective commitment to making a difference.
In recognition of its longstanding impact, the program will be honored at the National Catholic Educational Association Convention, taking place April 7–9 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The award will be presented by Heifer International, the organization that receives the funds raised each year through the initiative.
Beyond fundraising, Empty Bowls serves as an important educational experience for students. Through hands-on involvement and meaningful engagement, participants develop empathy, civic awareness, and the confidence to use their voices to support important causes. The program reinforces the idea that small individual efforts, when combined, can create lasting and meaningful change.
This impactful tradition is made possible through the generous support of local businesses, community partners, and alumni. Special thanks go to At Last Gourmet Foods, Ruhland Strudel Haus, Tinucci’s, Exchange Food & Drink, Cherokee Sirloin Room, The Copperfield, The Lexington, Gabe’s Bar & Kitchen, Shamrock’s, Kincaid’s, Luci Ancora, Plum’s, and Colossal Cafe for their continued commitment to helping bring this event to life each year.
Through initiatives like Empty Bowls, Cretin-Derham Hall continues to demonstrate how schools can cultivate a culture of service that not only addresses real community needs but also inspires generations of students to lead with compassion and purpose.
