Carla Clark | For The Republic People gather in the main gym to eat and listen to karaoke singers perform during the Empty Bowls fundraiser, benefiting local pantries and shelters, held at Central Midddle School, Columbus, Ind., Saturday, March 28, 2026
Carla Clark | For The Republic People gather in the main gym to eat and listen to karaoke singers perform during the Empty Bowls fundraiser, benefiting local pantries and shelters, held at Central Midddle School, Columbus, Ind., Saturday, March 28, 2026
The community gathered Saturday for the 28th annual Empty Bowls fundraiser, with all proceeds going toward supporting local food pantries.
Proceeds this year will go towards food pantries at the Community Center of Hope, the Salvation Army, Columbus North High School, Columbus East High School, Taylorsville Elementary School, IU Columbus and Ivy Tech. The goal was to raise $25,000 this year, event spokesperson Dick Boyce said.
The Columbus North and Columbus East ceramics departments made bowls for the event, which were available for purchase alongside other artisan bowls by local artists, teachers and students. Several gift baskets were also be available for auction with one of these baskets containing over $500 in gift items.
Helping to serve food this year were Mayor Mary Ferdon, Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. Superintendent Chad Phillips and Community Education Coalition President and CEO Jim Roberts.
