Empty bowls fill a need

More than 500 bowls were made for the seventh annual Empty Bowls Project. The public will have a chance to purchase one -- and enjoy a simple meal of soup, bread and dessert -- during the Empty Bowls Banquet Nov. 4 at the Salvation Army.

Linda Bohnsack, co-chairwoman of the Empty Bowls Project, said the purpose of the annual banquet is to "fight hunger, one bowl at a time."

She and others have been making bowls since February in preparation for the banquet. The bowls have been handcrafted from clay, fired and glazed by local artists of all ages.

"The empty bowl is a reminder that someone needs help and you helped by purchasing that bowl," said Major Beth Stillwell of the Salvation Army. "We're looking forward to seeing the community come together under one roof to help people."

Stillwell said the Empty Bowls Project goes to help fund the Salvation Army's Meals with Friends program and food pantry. Meals with Friends meets the last full week of the month from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Meals are prepared and served by volunteers, and attendees can receive two meals for the day. The food pantry is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Those in need can receive groceries by showing a photo ID. Stillwell said the food pantry is always in need of items.

"If we can help someone who is struggling with food, they can put their money toward rent or utilities and it helps tremendously," Stillwell said.

Linda Bohnsack applies a layer of wax to the bottom of a bowl to keep the glaze from the bottom to prevent the bowl from sticking to the kiln when fired. Bohnsack was working on pieces in the Jars of Clay Pottery Studio for the Empty Bowls project. Proceeds from Empty Bowls benefit the Salvation Army's community meals. (Laura Simon)

Tina Rodgers, Salvation Army case manager, says Empty Bowls brings together people in the community.

"It's about people in the community helping each other," Rodgers said. "There is nothing like this. It's a great event, the people who put this together do a wonderful job. I enjoy looking at the other creations, not just the bowls. We have a community full of art lovers."

And, she said, the money raised by Empty Bowls is much needed.

"The funds go toward food to feed people in the community," Rodgers said. "We can feed as many as 220 people in a night, and we'll get a lot of new faces. Many in the younger generation find themselves in need. Food programs help. If someone can save money for food and use it toward something else, it always helps."

The event isn't just about raising money, however. It is also about raising awareness.

"The importance of this project is to realize there is a need," Stillwell said. "Some of us may be one paycheck away from needing help."

Last year's Empty Bowls Project raised $2,250 from the banquet with 180 bowls sold. An additional $700 was raised at a silent auction at the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri. This year's bowls have been made by Best of Missouri Hands artists, Procter & Gamble interns, PEO Group, Kelly School students, Jackson Middle School students and Southeast Missouri State University ceramic students among others.

Aside from the banquet, there will be other opportunities to purchase a bowl. More that 30 bowls are on display at arts council, at 32 N. Main St., where visitors can bid on them in a silent auction. The auction will close during the arts council's First Friday reception Friday night.

Bowls will also be available to purchase during the arts council's annual Christmas Arts and Crafts Extravaganza, which will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 17 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 18, at the Osage Centre.

"We would like to thank the community for seeing the need and helping meet the need," Stillwell said.

For more information on the event, call the Salvation Army at 335-7000.

apicar@semissourian.com

Linda Bohnsack peaks over a shelf of finished pieces for the Empty Bowls Project in the Jars of Clay Pottery Studio in Cape Girardeau. Proceeds from Empty Bowls benefit the Salvation Army's community meals. (Laura Simon)

388-3648

Want to go?

* What: Empty Bowls Banquet

* When: Noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 4

* Where: Salvation Army, 701 Good Hope St.

* Cost: $12 for a bowl and a meal of soup, bread, dessert and drink. All proceeds benefit the Salvation Army's food programs.

Pertinent addresses:

Salvation Army, 701 Good Hope St., Cape Girardeau,

Southeast Missouri Arts Council, 32 N. Main St., Cape Girardeau

Osage Centre, 1625 N. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau