EMPTY BOWLS: Event helps out food pantries in the Mid Ohio Valley
Trending
The 21st annual in-person Empty Bowls Luncheon had another successful year of helping out local food pantries Saturday afternoon.
The luncheon, held at the First United Methodist Church in Williamstown, first started in Michigan in the late 90s by artisans and potters, came to the Mid-Ohio Valley in 2001 when Caroline Putnam brought the idea to the First Unitarian Church in Marietta.
"It's an international fundraiser to help local food pantries," said Carol Garzoa, co-chairwoman of Empty Bowls of the Mid-Ohio Valley. "Caroline brought it to her church and then it outgrew that church and we've been moving it to bigger churches since then. We've gone through five different churches."
The five churches that help the fundraiser each year include First Unitarian Church -- Marietta, St. Luke's Episcopal Church -- Marietta, First Congregational Church --Marietta, First Presbyterian Church – Marietta, and First United Methodist Church -- Williamstown.
"It's a total community effort around here to help those with food insecurity," Garzoa said. "There was an avalanche of people who showed up this morning when we opened that came here to support the luncheon."
22 local restaurants donate soup to the luncheon as well as bread from Panera Bread from both Marietta and Vienna locations. Church volunteers also help out by donating fresh baked cookies, their time and effort, according to Garzoa. The fundraiser receives their unique bowls from local artists, students, the Parkersburg Art Center and the Watering Can Art Studio. After enjoying their luncheon, patrons were able to take home a bowl of their choosing.
"It's always gratifying to see such a small community pull together for such a great cause," said Garzoa.
New to the Empty Bowls luncheon was a silent auction of high quality bowls and other items related to food, according to Garzoa. Succulent centerpieces found on tables at Saturday's luncheon were also available for purchase.
"It's been a wonderful lunch," attendee Joan Palmer said. "There's such a variety of soups and the cookies were great too! It's just a nice place to be."