Fundraiser for food pantries nets $4,000

Southeast Missourian

The Empty Bowls fundraiser held at the Salvation Army on Sunday netted an estimated $4,000 for local food pantries, and the opportunity to raise more funds still remains, said event organizer Denise Lincoln.

Lincoln called the event, in its second year in Cape Girardeau, a "rip-roaring success."

Empty Bowls is an event that raises money for food pantries by selling tickets to a soup dinner. Artists and community members make clay bowls for the soup to be served in, which those at the dinner can then take with them.

Last year's event raised about $3,000. Lincoln was initially concerned about the fundraiser, as many tickets were still waiting to be sold as of Friday, and plans were made for about 500 people to attend. But strong walk-up sales helped the event beat its total raised last year, she said.

Tickets were sold for $10, but some made larger donations.

About 75 bowls were left over, Lincoln said, and are still for sale at the Garden Gallery for a suggested $10 donation. All of the proceeds will go to benefit local food pantries.