The recent Empty Bowls annual fundraiser at Central Middle School generated slightly more than $18,000.
The event that helps the area’s hungry via local food banks has raised more than $200,000 since it began 21 years ago when artist Robert Pulley launched it as part of the Columbus Peace Fellowship.
This year, the event benefited pantries at Love Chapel, Horizon House homeless shelter, Community Center of Hope, Turning Point Domestic Violence Services, and Thrive Alliance.
Local potters, including local high school students, produce homemade bowls for the event, local cooks prepare soups, chili, breads and desserts, and local musicians — this year, the Banister Family Bluegrass Band — provide live tunes for the event. Plus, volunteers serve the food and clean up afterward.
The steering committee that organized the event consisted of Beth Parkhurst, Denise Engel, Melanie Bachmeyer, Carrie Douglas and Sarah Grey.
