Empty Bowls events Nov. 3 and 17 at Mesa Community College benefit Paz de Cristo

Mesa Community College invites the community to its annual Empty Bowls events where for $10 per person, guests receive soup, bread and a handmade bowl created by ceramics students and community members.

The event also features a silent auction with ceramics by some of the Valley’s most talented artists. All proceeds benefit the Paz de Cristo Community Center, according to a release.

“Empty Bowls is special because it brings together art, education and community service in a way that directly benefits our neighbors,” Laura Elder, MCC ceramics senior lab technician, said in the release. “Our student artists can use their creativity to give back, while community members take home a one-of-a-kind handmade bowl and help support local families experiencing food insecurity. The 2025 events brought in $8,616; enough to provide for 20,514 meals at Paz de Cristo. It’s a wonderful example of how art can make a meaningful difference in our community.”

Meals are provided by longtime Empty Bowls supporters Pita Jungle and Red White & Brew.

The events are:

• 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, at MCC Red Mountain Campus, 7110 E. McKellips Road (Mesquite Building, Community Room). Soup compliments of Red, White and Brew
• 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, at MCC Southern and Dobson Campus, 1833 W. Southern Ave. (Kirk Student Center, Navajo Room). Soup compliments of Pita Jungle

Proceeds benefit Paz de Cristo Community Center, a nonprofit providing anti-hunger and empowerment support for people in the East Valley who are homeless, unemployed, working poor and their families. In 2025, MCC Empty Bowls events brought in more than $8,000 benefiting Paz de Cristo.

“We are incredibly grateful to the students, faculty and staff at Mesa Community College whose talent and generosity make our annual Empty Bowls event possible. Every handcrafted bowl represents compassion, creativity, and a commitment to helping neighbors in need. The $10 price of the bowl can provide 24 meals to individuals and families struggling with hunger in our community,” Paz de Cristo Executive Director Jackie Shelley said in the release. “As the need for the programs and services provided by Paz de Cristo continues to grow, partnerships like this are more important than ever. We simply could not do this work without Mesa Community College. The beautiful art created by MCC students and local artists helps turn empty bowls into full stomachs and hope for those we serve.”

Patrons are encouraged to support MCC students in need by bringing nonperishable food and hygiene items for the Mesa Market, MCC’s on-campus food pantry. Donations will be collected during both Empty Bowls events.

Community sponsors, in addition to Pita Jungle and Red, White and Brew, include artists, organizations and businesses that donate their time and talent to help feed the hungry and homeless in the community. Friendship Village Tempe, Dobson High School, Desert Ridge High School and MCC students, faculty and lab techs created the bowls for the event and auction. Additional thanks to the volunteers from New Frontiers for Lifelong Learning for helping to serve the food and facilitating sales.

Go to pazdecristo.org and mesacc.edu/newsroom.