Photo by Shannon Malanoski
Mark Lindenlaub picks up his order in the drive-through line for the recent Empty Bowls fundraiser at Donner Center.
The 24th Annual Empty Bowls fundraiser for area food pantries has exceeded its $20,000 goal and now stands at $20,300, according to organizers. Donations are being accepted at least through Friday at emptybowlsfundraiser2022.rsvpify.com.
Richard Boyce, among a team of volunteers that organized the drive-thru event Feb. 26 at Donner Center in Columbus, reported the latest figure Tuesday.
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.
The event is especially important now since local officials have said for some time that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with its resulting job losses and unplanned medical expenses for many, has triggered an increased need for food assistance for many.
Through the years, Empty Bowls has raised more than $220,000 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’ volunteers 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 made by volunteers.
The in-person event also always has included live music ranging from local bands to entertainment from Bloomington or Indianapolis.
