The Academy Center of the Arts, Centra, Framatome, and the Bank of the James are proud to announce the success of the tenth annual Empty Bowls event, which raised over $9,000 to benefit the Lynchburg Daily Bread and the community members they serve.
Empty Bowls was held on Saturday, March 24, 2018, with a record number of 496 attendees. During Empty Bowls, attendees selected their own beautiful, handmade ceramic bowl, donated by local potters, and enjoyed delicious soup tastings with bread, dessert, and beverages, all donated by local restaurants and individual donors. Over 50 businesses, community organizations and individual donors contributed to the event.
In 2017, proceeds from Empty Bowls totaled $7,931.49. This year, we are thrilled to announce that the event raised $9,318.49!
“Empty Bowls has become an event that the community looks forward to supporting every year,” said Geoffrey Kershner, Executive Director. “We’re very proud to be able to present this check to the Daily Bread, and to support our community members in need.”
The donated funds will directly impact the Lynchburg Daily Bread, allowing them to continue to serve meals in our community.
“We are so thankful for the tremendous community support of Empty Bowls, led by the wonderful team and volunteer potters at the Academy Center,” said Tracey Dixon, Executive Director of the Lynchburg Daily Bread. “Thank you for making this event such a success, sponsoring thousands of meals in 2018.”
While raising money for the Lynchburg Daily Bread is the main focus of the event, there is also some thrill for attendees in finding the perfect bowl to take home.
“People absolutely love the chance to go into the art studio [where the bowls are stored] and pick out their bowl each year,” said Ted Batt, Director of Visual Arts. “Sometimes people will pick bowls based on how they look, but other times they’re searching for a bowl by a certain potter or group. It’s really a neat thing to see.”
This year, a portion of those bowls were made by members of MIX, the academy’s young donor group.
“My husband and I had the chance to donate our time to each make a bowl through MIX Lynchburg for the Academy’s Empty Bowls event, and it was so fun,” said Leah Wiebe, MIX Member. “We are so thrilled to have the opportunity to participate and engage in the arts and culture of our community in this and so many other ways through MIX and the Academy Center of the Arts!”
In addition to MIX, students from Amherst County High School and 40+ potters also donated their time and skills for Empty Bowls.
“It is always really wonderful to see our community members come out to the Academy to support the Lynchburg Daily Bread through Empty Bowls,” said Batt. “On our tenth anniversary, it is especially comforting to know that we have continued to grow this event, and in turn have continued to grow our donation to the Daily Bread to support community members in need.”
Empty Bowls 2018 was sponsored by:
Thank your to our donating potters:
Tabitha Abbott, George Alderman, Ted Batt, Nancy Blackwell, Kim Clarke, Sue Coleman, Mason Cole Davis, Michelle Davis, Reegan Davis, Sarah Echols, Anna Ellis, Sarah Ellis, Dave Emmert, Ann Fabirkiewicz, Sheila Funkhouser, Ruth Glaze, Steve Glaze, Ian Hazard-Bill, Donna Headley, Rebekah Hower, Melody Infinger, Jeanne Irving, John Jessiman, Quinn Jones, Catherine Khoo, Joann Lewis, Judy Mathus, Suzanne Michaels, Kimberly Morey, Lisa Musick, Ann Parker, Kari Phillips, Kelly Posenauer, Sarah Reid, Caroline Renard, Justin Rice, Richard Rubin, Janna Russell, Gail Speidell, Kathy Spitzer, Sally Von Oesen, Cindy Walraven, Corey Wilson, Members from the Academy Center of the Arts Mix Donor Group, and Students from Amherst County High School.
Thank you to our local restaurants and individuals for donating food:
Abby Stewart, Avenue Foods, Charley’s, Crisp, The Depot Grille, Elizabeth Burton, Magnolia Foods, Main Street Eatery, Market at Main, Meriwether Godsey, Montana Plains Bakery, Oakwood County Club, Peakland Catering Company, Urbavore, and the Diamond Hill Historical Society.
