We are extremely proud to announce the success of our ninth annual Empty Bowls event benefiting the Lynchburg Daily Bread on March 18.
The Lynchburg Daily Bread is a local non-profit that has provided hot meals for the hungry 365 days a year, for the last 35 years. In 2016 alone, they served 60,485 meals to the homeless and hungry of the community.
During Empty Bowls, attendees were able to select and keep a beautiful ceramic bowl that were hand made and donated by local potters. They then enjoyed a delicious soup tasting with bread and beverage, all donated by local restaurants and individual donors.
This year a portion of the bowls were made by men and women from the Continuum of Care’s event Share the Love. Each bowl was selflessly made by these individuals knowing they wouldn’t get to keep their handiwork, but instead they would be used to raise funds for the cause. We are always so excited to see such altruistic acts, including the many service providers and resource workers who stopped by to make a bowl to contribute as well.
Last year’s Empty Bowls event enabled us to give a $5617.71 check to The LynchburgDaily Bread. We are thrilled to say that this year was the most successful event yet as we sold 436 bowls and 23 vases, which will enable us to present a check to the Daily Bread in April for just under $8000!
“What an incredible turn-out, with more bowls sold than ever before!” said Tracey Dixon the Director of Daily Bread, “thank you to all of the contributors and the amazing Academy team, which created such a fun yet meaningful event.”
Next year’s event is on March 24 and we will have mugs as well as bowls to celebrate 10 years presenting Empty Bowls to the community.
Thanks to everyone in the community who joined this event to support the cause and make our Outreach program even stronger!
Thank you to all the donating potters:
George Alderman, Ted Batt, Nancy Blackwel, Sue Coleman, Michelle Davis, Beth Doyle, Anna Ellis, Sheila Funkhouser, Ruth Glaze, Donna Headley, Jeanne Irving, Lisa Jonas, Trish Kimball, Sherry Landry, Sam Lester, Pat Lester, Judy Mathus, Suzanne Michaels, Kimberly Morey, Kari Phillips, Kelly Posenauer, Sarah Reid, Rosel Schewel, Kate Scullen, Dorie Smiley, Evan Smith, Gail Speidell, Kathy Spitzer, Seniors from Central Virginia Alliance for Community Living, Students of Lynchburg City Parks and Rec. Dept., Sage Tenberg, Jesi Thompson, Randi Twery, Patrons and Volunteers from Share the Love Event, Sally Von Oesen, Jeff Wagoner, Sheila Wallis, Cindy Walraven, Donna Wallace, and Corey Wilson
Thank you to our local restaurants and individuals for donating soup:
Oakwood Country Club, Charley’s Restaurant & Catering, Rivermont Pizza, Peakland Catering Company, Depot Grille Lynchburg, Magnolia Foods, Blue Marlin Seafood Inc., Abby Stewart, Cheesy Rider Food Truck, Market at Main, Avenue Foods, Main St. Eatery and Catering Co., Meriwether Godsey Catering, Crisp. And to Montana Plains Bakery for donating the bread.
Special thank you to our 2017 Empty Bowl sponsors Baird and BWXT for making this event possible. Also, a big thank you to the Walmart Foundation for their support of our Community Outreach programs.
Learn more out the Academy’s community outreach program at academycenter.org/community-outreach
