Fighting Hunger is an “Art” for Empty Bowls

Help the hungry by getting your bowl filled at the Empty Bowls event on March 4 at the Racine Masonic Center, 1015 Wisconsin Ave. The event features two serving sessions: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m.

Patrons will enjoy soup and bread from 60 restaurants and bakeries in the Racine area and they’ll receive a handcrafted bowl for $15. Local businesses, schools and potters donate the clay bowls, and local restaurants and individuals donate soups and breads. The event also features live music.

Since 1997, Empty Bowls has donated more than $118,000 to hunger and homeless assistance programs in Racine. All profits raised at this event will be donated to HALO and the Racine County Food Bank.

Parking is limited so visitors are encouraged to carpool and should enter from 1015 Wisconsin Ave.
 At the end of the meal, diners take home their empty bowl as a reminder of those who face hunger every day.

“When you see your new bowl in your cupboard at home you’ll be reminded that many in our community do not dine comfortably with family or friends. They have empty bowls because of circumstances beyond their control,” event Co-Chair Heidi Fannin said. “All contributions will be used to feed someone who does not have the food security that you enjoy. We are asking attendees to bring a canned good donation and an Empty Bowl from a previous year.”

Those that do will receive an additional chance to win a special Bowl Set.

You can also help paint bowls from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday and Friday, and Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Feb. 28 and March 1 at Ceramic Gardens, 6634 Durand Ave.