Republic file photo Volunteers work behind the scenes last year preparing soups for drive-through diners at last year’s Empty Bowls fundraiser.
Organizers of the 24th Annual Empty Bowls drive-thru fundraiser from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Donner Center in Columbus still hope to generate between $20,000 and $25,000 to help six area food pantries.
Last year’s event, also held as a drive thru amid the COVID-19 pandemic, included more than 400 bowls of soup served to generate more than $20,300, according to organizers.
About 200 bowls of soup have been ordered so far, according to estimates.
People can order online from four varities, providing that supplies last, right up until the time of the event, said Richard Boyce, among the organizers. Plus, at he ordering link at emptybowlsfundraiser2022.rsvpify.com, people also can make donations even if they do not wish to eat.
Ordering soup only is $10. Ordering soup with a handmade artisan bowl is $20, according to the event Facebook page at Empty Bowls – Columbus, Indiana.
For safety, masks are required when picking up orders.
Though recruiting corporate and business sponsors has been more challenging this year, one new sponsor are the local McDonald’s restaurants, Boyce. said. In fact, he mentioned that a corporate head has purchased tickets for all local McDonald’s employees.
But organizers have gushed the past several years about a range of support. For example, this year, Fazoli’s and Texas Roadhouse are providing bread to go with the meals.
He added that because of the continuing pandemic, most pantries and more have emphasized that local families face a greater need for supplemental groceries than last year.
Through the years, Empty Bowls has raised more than $200,000 total, according to organizers. Local sculptor Robert Pulley launched the event, a spin-off of a national push to fight hunger, via the Columbus Peace Fellowship. Some years, such as in 2011, more than 1,000 people have attended in person.
Empty Bowls’ foundation includes a variety of local artists, including some whose work is celebrated nationwide, and students making bowls of all shapes and sizes for the event. The bowls are then purchased by diners as part of the fundraising. Normally, the in-person gathering has included soups, chilis, breads, desserts and more are made by volunteers.
The event also always has included live music ranging from local bands to entertainment from Bloomington or Indianapolis.
The six food pantries benefiting from the event are: Love Chapel, Horizon House homeless shelter, Community Center of Hope, Turning Point Domestic Violence Services, Columbus Salvation Army and Thrive Alliance.
Love Chapel, the largest pantry in the county, distributed 1.5 million pounds of food to individuals and families in 2021. And its leaders still see the need increasing amid the pandemic and job losses.
