Local fundraiser continues to raise money and awareness to fight hunger
Amy Christian
Twelve years ago, the original Empty Bowl fundraising event brought community members together for a fundraiser with a unique premise. Guests would receive a meal of soup and bread in a handmade ceramic bowl. That bowl, made by local students and artists, would then be taken home to serve as a constant reminder of the very real problem of hunger, both worldwide and in the CSRA.
This year’s Empty Bowl event will be from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 10, at the Augusta Jewish Community Center.
While the soups and breads offered this year might be a little more substantial than what was offered that first year, the concept and the spirit of the event remain the same.
The soup, bread and drinks are donated from the area’s best restaurants and caterers, and participants are still allowed to take home the one-of-a-kind ceramic bowls.
Proceeds from the event go to both the Golden Harvest Food Bank and the Augusta Jewish Community Center.
Golden Harvest distributes close to 14.5 million pounds of food through 400 agencies in 30 counties across Georgia and South Carolina. While food distribution is its main activity, Golden Harvest also operates the Masters Table Soup Kitchen in downtown Augusta.
Besides providing a food pantry and scholarships, the Augusta Jewish Community Center offers educational, social and cultural programming for all ages.
Westside’s Eva Fernandez beat out more than 200 other entries to provide the design for this year’s T-shirt, winning $100 and a chance to be on local TV news.
Besides the food, people can participate in the silent auction or enter a raffle to win a bike from Chain Reaction.
Bids for the silent auction will be taken from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., though anyone who doesn’t want to go through the auction can pay a special “take it with you” price to ensure they get the item or gift certificate they want.
Advance tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for children 2-10. Prices at the door will go up — $20 for adults and $7.50 for children 2-10.
Advance tickets can be purchased at the Augusta Jewish Community Center, Golden Harvest Food Bank, North Augusta’s WifeSaver, New Moon Cafe downtown or Weinberger’s Furniture.You Might Also Like:
