18th Annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser To Benefit Table Of Grace Food Pantry

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The 18th annual Empty Bowls fundraiser supporting the Table of Grace food pantry is set for Wednesday, March 25, at Grace Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.

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The fundraising event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For a $25 donation, attendees can enjoy a simple meal of soup, bread and water, along with live entertainment, and take home a handcrafted bowl created by local artisans and University of Alabama ceramics students.

Organizers said that for an additional $5, meals and bowls may be packaged to go.

Proceeds benefit Table of Grace, a market-style, client-choice food pantry.

“We serve around 900 households each month, so this fundraiser is crucially important to our ability to fulfill our mission,” Executive Director Steven Thomas said. “Our dignity-focused operating model respects individual preferences and dietary restrictions, and it also reduces waste since people only choose what they will use."

Board President Brooke Peterson said several local restaurants are also donating at least two gallons of their signature soups, with additional offerings prepared by church members and volunteers.

Options will include vegan and vegetarian soups.

“We hope taking home an empty bowl can serve as a reminder to everyone that many in our community go hungry,” Peterson said.

Entertainment will be provided by local musicians Jil Chambliss and Dan Vogt of traditional Irish-English-Scottish trio The Vulcan Eejits.

Organizers say each Empty Bowls ticket sold can help feed vulnerable households for extended periods, including veterans, seniors and families facing food insecurity.

Payment will be accepted at the door by cash, check or PayPal.

Tickets also will be sold at the event for a prize drawing.

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