Empty Bowls is a fundraiser night that sells bowls of soup, where you are able to take home the homemade bowl. People within our community would go hungry if it weren’t for food pantries that help feed them. However, nonprofit organizations have to be able to buy food somehow. Empty Bowls is a fundraiser night that sells bowls of soup, where you are able to take home the bowl. Chair of the event Judy Kiesow and volunteer freshman Lucas Burge have some information to share about the event. The event will be hosted in the community during spring break.

“[Empty Bowls is on] the first Saturday of spring break, March 15th, from 4 to 6 pm.,” Burge said, “It’s at Central Middle School.”

Empty Bowls helps many nonprofit organizations in our community raise money.

“There are six nonprofits that receive money from the amount of money we make, [which includes] Love Chapel, the Food Pantry and Brighter Days, which is the homeless shelter, Hope Community Center which has a food pantry, Salvation Army, Turning Point, Thrive Alliance, [and] Horizon House,” Kiesow said.

An organization that Burge volunteers at will also be getting support.

“I volunteer at Hot Meals weekly, and this event would raise money for Hot Meals, as well as a bunch of others,” Burge said.

The event is not new and has continued to provide money for Columbus organizations over the years.

“This is the 27th year for Empty Bowls and two teachers started this,” Kiesow said. “I know one was Bob Pulley.”

The event is not just a fundraiser sale and has activities to participate in.

“At the event, we have live music, a silent auction, bowls (made by artists and students) for sale, a bake sale and the most important is we have soup, homemade bread, drinks and a homemade cookie which is served by local people such as the mayor,” Kiesow said.

Although buying a bowl is not mandatory, there is still a cost to enter.

“Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for children,” Kiesow said.

The event is well-staffed and able to manage hundreds of people.

“Last year we had approximately 350 people who attended,” Kiesow said. “ We have approximately 75 volunteers that are needed to set up, serve and clean up.”

The people who attend and buy bowls help those in the community who face food insecurity by providing them with funds to stay open.

“Love Chapel is averaging approximately 1,500 families a month at the Food Pantry in the city of Columbus. One in seven people experience food insecurity. We hope that Empty Bowls will help educate the community of the needs of people in this community.”

Burge and others volunteer, so this event may be a good option for those wanting volunteer hours in the future.

“I will feel accomplished [when completing the fundraiser],” Burge said, “Volunteering and helping out typically makes me feel satisfied.”