Photo by Shannon Malanoski People look over handmade bowls crafted for Saturday’s Empty Bowls fundraiser at Central Middle School.
The 25th Annual Empty Bowls fundraiser for the hungry left organizers filled with satisfaction.
Richard Boyce, a member of the organizing committee, said as much as he considered an estimated crowd of 340 people at Central Middle School cafeteria Saturday and an estimated $18,000 total and counting, since donations still are coming in.
That is slightly shy of a goal of 500 people and $20,000. But Boyce pointed out that the fundraiser was up against several other worthy local events at basically the same time.
“We are really, really happy,” Boyce said. “If you look at all the pictures at the event, you’ll see a lot of happy faces. So, overall, we’re very pleased.”
Last year, corporate and private donations were still coming in as much as a week after the event. So Boyce is asking potential donors to still consider giving to the cause at https://www.classy.org/event/empty-bowls/e442695.
Lynne Hyatt and Judy Kiesow were event co-chairs. The fundraiser involves people buying volunteer-made soups, chilis, breads, desserts and more while listening to live entertainment — this year, that was musical duo Dan and Linda Mustard — and brief messages about the need to support struggling families locally.
Proceeds benefit shelters that help feed the hungry: Love Chapel, Turning Point Domestic Violence Services, the Salvation Army, the Community Center of Hope, Thrive Alliance and Horizon House.
The event was a huge team effort. For example, Kelly Daugherty, the executive director at Love Chapel, organized this year’s silent auction with baskets from Harrison Lakes Country Club, Hotel Indigo, McDonald’s, Columbus Philharmonic, German American Bank, Centra Credit Union, Columbus Star Quilters, and Charlene Rule.
More than 15 corporate sponsors also made the event possible, with the top three being Taylor Brothers Construction, RE/MAX Real Estate Professionals, and NTN Driveshaft Inc.
Some of the community’s most visible leaders also lended a literal hand.
Deputy Mayor Mary Ferdon, Columbus Regional Health President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Bickel and Jim Roberts, superintendent of Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp., each helped serve food, dishing out selections made by people from their organizations or administration.
