Annual Empty Bowls fundraiser Oct. 17 at Mesa Arts Center

Waste Not, an Arizona nonprofit dedicated to reducing food waste and fighting hunger, is hosting its annual Empty Bowls fundraiser 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 17 at Mesa Arts Center.

Presented in partnership with the Arizona Clay Association, the event supports Waste Not’s network of more than 65 nonprofit partners that help provide rescued food to Arizonans facing food insecurity, according to a release.

This year’s event also marks the kickoff of Waste Not’s 40th anniversary celebration, honoring four decades of service to the community.

A highlight of the event at Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St. in Mesa, is the collection of handcrafted ceramic bowls created and donated by members of the Arizona Clay Association. Guests can browse and purchase these unique, artisan-made bowls, each crafted exclusively for Empty Bowls. While most pieces are one of a kind, a limited number of matching sets will also be available.

Empty Bowls is part of a global grassroots movement that raises awareness and funds to help combat hunger in local communities. Events are held in cities around the world, with artists donating handcrafted bowls that symbolize the simple meal many people struggle to access each day. Together, these bowls serve as a powerful reminder of the ongoing need to address food insecurity while supporting organizations working to ensure everyone has enough to eat.

New this year, Waste Not is offering a special VIP Experience for guests who want to start the celebration early and enjoy added access to Empty Bowls. Beginning at 9 a.m. on Oct. 17 at Mesa Arts Center, VIP guests will enjoy first choice of handcrafted bowls, a light breakfast and lunch, a private tour of the Mesa Arts Center, a limited-edition Waste Not 40th anniversary gift and two complimentary raffle entries. VIP tickets are $100 for the first guest and $40 for each additional guest. Packages are available now through Waste Not’s Empty Bowls website, wastenotaz.org.

The Empty Bowls community celebration from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. is free and open to the public. Guests can browse and purchase hundreds of one-of-a-kind handcrafted bowls created by Arizona artists, enjoy lunch with friends, bid on exclusive silent auction items, enter to win raffle prizes and relax with live music. The family-friendly event also offers opportunities to meet the artists, participate in hands-on activities, and to join Waste Not as it kicks off its 40th anniversary year.

“We are thrilled to bring Empty Bowls back to the community this October,” Executive Director Mara Pernick said in the release. “Empty Bowls is about more than just the bowls, it is about bringing people together around the belief that good food should feed people, not go to waste. This year, we are excited to build on that tradition with new handcrafted bowls, expanded family friendly activities and more ways for our community to be part of the celebration. We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors, the Arizona Clay Association and the talented artists who continue to make this special event possible.”