What has become a popular fundraising event for hunger-fighting organizations throughout the country is coming to Auburn for the first time.
Area businesses, schools and the arts community have pulled together to organize an Empty Bowls event May 17 at Grace Community Church.
Empty Bowls, an international grassroots effort to fight hunger, was created by The Imagine Render Group. The premise is simple: Potters, craftspeople, educators and others work with the community to create handcrafted bowls. Guests are invited to a simple meal of soup and bread. In exchange for a cash donation, guests are asked to keep a bowl as a reminder of the empty bowls in the world. The money raised is donated to an organization working to end hunger and food insecurity.
Attendees at the inaugural Auburn gathering will have the opportunity to purchase a handmade soup bowl by students and professional potters for a minimum donation of $15. Customers will have a choice of soup from among those donated by local restaurants and schools.
Proceeds will support the Auburn Food Bank.
Organizers say the soup will warm the stomach – and the soul.
“We’re very excited to have our very first one,” said Gail Spurrell, one of the event’s organizers. “The support has been amazing. … Our goal is ambitious, but we’re looking for 500 bowls.”
To reach that number, pottery students and instructors at Green River Community College have been busy shaping, trimming and glazing clay bowls. The class recently held a “throw-off” – producing a batch of bowls for the benefit.
“It’s incredible, and the support here from Green River (Community College) is unbelievable,” said Lela Brugger, a pottery student who was instrumental in orchestrating the “throw-a-thon” at the college. “These are wonderful people working for an incredible cause.”
A “throw-off” is a common practice in the pottery culture.
“It’s essentially a community supporting a community – and that is one of our roles,” said Paul Metivier, a potter and instructor at Green River Community College’s ceramics department.
Added student Susan Johnson: “It’s something that’s really cool, a chance to give something back. And we’ve had a good turnout.”
Support has been growing. The Clay Art Center of Tacoma donated 200 pounds of clay.
The Evergreen Woodworkers Association has offered to donate hand-turned wooden bowls.
Auburn, Auburn Mountainview and Auburn Riverside high school culinary arts students will be providing some of the soup, bread and cookies. High school students also wish to create bowls and serve lunch at the benefit.
Area restaurants are being asked to donate food. And more donations are needed.
The event not only supports a good cause, but provides an opportunity for students and artisans to showcase their work.
“It’s a great opportunity to put our own hearts into the cause and actually have bowls that come from our imagination, and just be able to bless the people who could use a little boost,” said GRCC student Rose Reeves. “The economy has been hard for everyone, and it takes a community to take care of each other.”
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Empty Bowls
• Benefit: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., May 17, Grace Community Church, 1320 Auburn Way S., Auburn.
• Cost: Minimum $15 donation. Enjoy lunch and pick out your bowl. Proceeds to benefit the Auburn Food Bank.
• Donations needed: Soup, bread, beverages, cookies, bowls from potters and artisan groups. To donate, call the food bank at 253-833-8925.
