Empty Bowls fundraiser Nov. 1 will help Salvation Army

For the 10th year, community members will gather to enjoy soup served in a locally made pottery bowl to fight local hunger.

Southeast Missouri State University's annual Empty Bowls event will be from noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Salvation Army Worship and Community Center at 701 Good Hope St., according to a news release from the university.

For their ticket price, attendees receive a soup meal and a handmade bowl of their choice. Bowls used for the event are painted by community members and volunteers.

"The intent is whenever they use their bowl, they will remember there are people that go hungry in Cape Girardeau," Ann Marietta, associate professor of nutrition and dietetics at the university, said in the release.

All proceeds from Empty Bowls benefit the Salvation Army. Marietta estimates $57,000 has been donated since the first event in 2005.

"The Salvation Army is a wonderful place where they do such good work for those in need," Marietta said.

About 600 bowls have been made for this year's event.

Southeast Department of Art chairwoman Caroline Kahler made 30 of the bowls, and students from two of her classes helped paint many of them, according to the release.

She said the students' participation can effect several communities, adding many of her former students have started similar events in their own communities after graduating.

Tickets for this year's Empty Bowls event are $12 and may be purchased at the door.

Those who are unable to attend the lunch but would like a bowl may buy one during the 45th annual Christmas Arts and Crafts Extravaganza, set for Nov. 21 and 22 at the Show Me Center and Osage Centre in Cape Girardeau.

For more information, contact Marietta at (573) 651-2733 or abmarietta@semo.edu.

kwebster@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3646

Pertinent address:

701 Good Hope Street, Cape Girardeau, Mo.