Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country | Founded 05-05-05

February 28, 2008 issue

Seventh Annual Empty Bowls Supper March 15

Fundraiser To Benefit the Hunger and Health Coalition

Story by Celeste von Mangan

Are you hungry? At least 12,000 residents of Watauga, Avery and Ashe counties are. You can help food-insecure community members obtain free groceries while gaining a meal and ceramic bowl for yourself at the seventh annual Empty Bowls Supper on Saturday, March 15, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. in the Watauga High School cafeteria.

An event growing in popularity each year, Empty Bowls is a fundraiser held to benefit the Hunger and Health Coalition based in Boone. Organized by Watauga High School art students, the supper—featuring soup, bread, dessert and a beverage—will help local individuals and families. Diners can take home the handmade bowl that held their soup—the empty bowl is meant to be a reminder that there are hungry people in our community and throughout the world.

Prior to each Empty Bowls event, Watauga High School art students contact local artisans and businesses for donations and support. The students create and collect handmade ceramic bowls and restaurants donate food. For the 2008 fundraiser, Stick Boy Bread Company is donating the bread; Highlands Blowing Rock Food and Spirits, chicken white chili: Woodlands Barbeque, Brunswick stew: Casa Rustica Restaurant, Italian minestrone soup: Pepper’s Restaurant, vegetarian vegetable soup; Melanie’s Food Fantasy, southwest black bean soup; Blimpies Subs and Salads Restaurant, Rick’s homemade soup; and from Friends of Watauga, dessert.

While diners enjoy their fresh, nutritious meals, members of the Watauga High School chorus, jazz band, theatre classes and orchestra will once again provide musical accompaniment to the meal. A number of area businesses and artists have contributed gift certificates, merchandise and artwork for a silent auction to be held during the supper.

The 2008 Empty Bowls fundraiser supper includes bowls and art from Watauga High School art students of Susan Dunn, Shelton Wilder, Lori Hill and Whit Whitaker. Also included in the event are bowls and art from Watauga Elementary School art students of Jill Huffman and Dacia Trethewey, as well as pieces from Ashe County High School art students of Pat Morrison.

Last year, Empty Bowls raised $6,400 and donated all of the money to the Hunger and Health Coalition. The organization’s mission is to relieve poverty and hunger for local families and individuals—those who are experiencing temporary but immediate economic hardship, resulting in food shortages.

In 1990, a high school art teacher in Michigan helped found the first Empty Bowls fundraiser. Since that time, Empty Bowls events have raised millions of dollars to combat hunger worldwide. 

Purchase tickets for the Empty Bowls Supper at the door prior to the meal. A minimum donation of $15 for a ceramic bowl and supper is requested.

For more information, call 828-264-7407.

 

Want To Go?

Date: Saturday, March 15
Time: 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Watauga High School cafeteria
Cost: $15 minimum donation