Toni Milbourne/Chronicle David Hammer and daughter Roula enjoy dinner with Ralph Lorenzetti at the Potter’s Bowl fundraiser.

A colorful array of bowls and cups were lined up last Friday evening, waiting to be filled with a favorite soup, with the goal of raising funds for Good Shepherd Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers.

The annual Potter’s Bowl sees local potters donating their wares and attendees selecting their favorite piece to take home. Barron Hall at Shepherdstown Fire Department was filled with attendees who came out to select a piece of pottery, enjoy the dinner, bid on silent auction items and support the Good Shepherd program.

All proceeds from the event are used to benefit the organization, which offers free volunteer services including transportation, visiting, reassurance calls, yard work, medical equipment loans and fix-it projects to senior and disabled citizens of Jefferson County.

The Good Shepherd Caregivers strive to provide informal volunteer caregiving to home-based older or disabled Jefferson County residents. Their goal is to promote independence, dignity, security and quality of life among elderly, disabled, frail and homebound residents of our county, regardless of income or family circumstances.

According to their website, Good Shepherd Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers describes itself as a “Faith in Action program, is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization founded in 1990 by a small coalition of churches, individuals and the Shepherdstown Rotary Club with the goal of creating a stronger, more caring community in Jefferson County.”

Toni Milbourne/Chronicle An assortment of pottery was available to take home as part of the fundraiser dinner, which benefited the Good Shepherd Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers.

The organization identifies and provides, volunteer support services to any member of Jefferson County who are fragile, home bound, or disabled of all ages or disability. The goal of the service is to help them remain in the community while maintaining their contact with the community.

The free, non-medical caregiving services are all provided by volunteers and include transportation to medical appointments, yard work, light housework, friendly visits, reassurance phone calls and medical equipment loan.

While a total raised was not available at press time, throughout the evening the dollar amount rose as individuals bid on items in a silent auction that filled tables around the room. From notecards designed by local artist Mike Austin, to gift certificates to local eateries, to tons of crushed stone from Aggregate Industries, bidders could find any number of treasures to purchase and take home. Bidding wars were seen over handcrafted items with each dollar adding to Good Shepherd’s coffers.

Director Paula Marrone-Reese was thrilled with the turnout, indicating the event was a success once again.