Annual Empty Bowls tradition at Mesa Community College unites the community to fight hunger
Metro Creative
For a $10 donation, patrons receive a one-of-a-kind handcrafted ceramic bowl along with a meal of soup and bread. There will also be a silent auction featuring ceramics by some of the Valley’s talented artists.
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Mesa Community College invites the community to its annual Empty Bowls events with proceeds benefiting the Paz de Cristo Community Center.
For a $10 donation, patrons receive a one-of-a-kind handcrafted ceramic bowl along with a meal of soup and bread. There will also be a silent auction featuring ceramics by some of the Valley’s talented artists, according to a release.
Events are:
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5 at the MCC Red Mountain Campus, 7110 E. McKellips Road (Saguaro Building).
Hours:
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13 at the MCC Southern and Dobson Campus, 1833 W. Southern Ave. (Kirk Student Center, Navajo Room)
“Empty Bowls offers a way for Mesa Community College and our art department to support our community by feeding the hungry and homeless,” explained Laura Elder, MCC ceramics senior lab technician. “All proceeds benefit Paz De Cristo Community Center, a nonprofit providing anti-hunger and empowerment support for the East Valley’s homeless, unemployed, working poor and their families.”
John Farley, Paz De Cristo’s director of food services, says the event is a great opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind pieces of art, enjoy great food, and also help feed, clothe and empower those in need in the East Valley.
“Every $10 purchase provides 25 meals for guests of Paz de Cristo,” said Farley. “Last year, Empty Bowls raised more than $10,000, which provided for 25,000 meals.”
During the events, the Mesa Market, MCC’s on-campus food pantry, is also collecting donations of nonperishable food and hygiene items for MCC students in need.
Gratitude is extended to the artists, organizations and businesses that donate their time and talent to help feed the hungry and homeless in the community. This year’s sponsors include Laguna Clay, Mesa Arts Center, MCC Art Department, New Frontiers for Lifelong Learning, Pita Jungle, Red White & Brew, Dobson High School and Desert Ridge High School, the release states.