Friday, Jan. 20, 2012

Second Empty Bowls fundraiser a big hit

Hundreds of people turned out to help feed the hungry in Los Banos

People who purchased full paper bowls were given empty ceramic ones as three groups combined to promote the fight against hunger and raise some cash for a good cause Tuesday night.

Los Banos Junior High, the Arts Council and Rotary Club sponsored the second annual Empty Bowls project at Ted Falasco Arts Center.

Between 200 to 300 community members paid $10 to eat and take home a ceramic bowl, which represents the empty bowl of someone in need of food. The exact amount of money raised at Empty Bowls was not available at press time.

"This all goes toward local charities," said Los Banos Junior High teacher Jim Clarke, who organized the event. "The charities last year were the Salvation Army, food bank and Meals on Wheels for seniors."

Clarke said he plans to insist Meals on Wheels shares in the proceeds again this year.

"I believe our senior people are the ones who deserve the help," Clarke said.

Los Banos Rotary Club President Steve Tietjen said he's expecting the event to generate about $2,000 for a local food pantry.

"I think the most important part of the project is providing support for our local food pantry. But I think it's also good for the community to recognize we have a need right here in our own community," Tietjen said. "One of the things this project does is bring awareness."

Tietjen and several other Rotary Club members served a variety of soups and chili to attendees throughout the event.

Colleen Menefee, who is a Rotarian and a member of the arts council, said having the event at the Ted Falasco Arts Center is a good choice because the facility holds a lot of people. She said everyone contributed to the event, from the ceramic bowls being made at the junior high to the Rotary Club helping purchase the paper bowls and provide service.

"It's been a really great coming together," Menefee said.

Los Banos residents Dennis Morris and Janice Becker said Empty Bowls is a very nice event and they enjoy being able to support a good cause while attending it.