COLUMBUS, Ind. — The 25th Annual Empty Bowls food pantry fundraiser is returning to an in-person format after two years of being a drive-thru because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Organizers made the announcement in an email earlier this week that the event is slated for 5:30 to 7 p.m. Feb. 25 at Central Middle School cafeteria, 725 Seventh St. in Columbus. That has been the site of the gathering for several years until the pandemic forced the event to move to a drive-thru at Donner Center.
Lynne Hyatt and Judy Kiesow are event co-chairs. The fundraiser involves people buying volunteer-made soups, breads, desserts and more while listening to live entertainment and brief messages about the need to support struggling families locally.
“The need has never been greater,” said Richard Boyce, among the organizers.
In fact, Boyce said local pantry leaders estimate that food needs have increased by 25 to 30 percent this year alone.
Further figures show that more than 5,000 Bartholomew County residents seek food from local food pantries each month.
Empty Bowls raises money for six local agencies that help meet this need.
Basic tickets, priced at $15, will be available on the Empty Bowls Facebook page and on the day of the event. Guests will enjoy unlimited soup, bread, and dessert.
Tickets priced at $30 are also available and include a guest’s choice of purchasing a ceramic bowl crafted by local artists, teachers, and students. Longtime local married musical duo Dan and Linda Mustard, known for everything from pop to jazz tunes, including originals, will provide the entertainment.
All proceeds from Empty Bowls go directly to six local pantries and shelters: Love Chapel, Turning Point Domestic Violence Services, the Salvation Army, the Community Center of Hope, Thrive Alliance, and Horizon House.
Representatives from all six agencies will be present at the event with information to share.
Over the next few months, the leadership team for Empty Bowls will be reaching out to soup makers, bread bakers, corporate sponsors, day-of-event volunteers, and bowl makers.
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.
