‘Empty Bowls’ a major food fundraiser for ENC

Published 6:10 pm Tuesday, April 3, 2018

ELIZABETH CITY — A change in venue accompanies a fifth year of art and hunger relief with Food Bank of the Albemarle’s Empty Bowls of the Albemarle.

Empty Bowls of the Albemarle will be held April 10-11 on the portico of Museum of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City.

“Each year we have seen incredible growth and support from the community, and we hope the expanded space available at the Museum will allow more guests to attend. Food Bank of the Albemarle is grateful to the many sponsors, artists, teachers and students for donating their time and talent to make this event a success year after year,” wrote Food Bank Executive Director Liz Reasoner in a press release.

Empty Bowls emerged from a grassroots effort to raise both money and awareness in the fight to end hunger, according to the press release. Local artists donated their handcrafted bowls for use at the Empty Bowls luncheon, in which guests enjoy homemade soups, rolls and desserts and get to take home the piece of handcrafted pottery they’ve selected.

It serves as both a keepsake and a reminder of the many empty bowls across northeast North Carolina, the region covered by Food Bank of the Albemarle. The food bank serves as regional clearinghouse for the collection and distribution of food and grocery items to 145 non-profit and faith-based organizations for their food programs, and to eligible individuals for their food needs, including Eagle’s Wings food pantry in Washington, which will be hosting its own fundraiser next week as well.

In addition to the luncheon, which will be held April 11 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., a preview party and silent auction will be held April 10, and will include a band, hors d’oeuvres and beverages.

One of the featured artists contributing to the silent auction is local artist Carolyn Sleeper.

“For this even we often get artists from a variety of different counties, because we do cover 15 counties,” said Brian Gray, communications director for Food Bank of the Albemarle. “They’re contributions are important.”

Gray wrote that the goal is to raise $25,000 through the two-day event, which will benefit the thousands of families served through Food Bank of the Albemarle, making an immediate impact in the community.

For more information or ticket purchases, visit www.afoodbank.org or call 252-335-4035. Tickets can also be purchased from the Museum of the Albemarle Gift Shop, Firehouse Subs and Food Bank of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City.