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Annual Tempe Empty Bowls fundraiser takes place Feb. 22

Posted 1/12/25

Tempe Community Action Agency and United Food Bank will present the 23rd Annual Tempe Empty Bowls fundraiser on Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Community Center Courtyard near the Tempe Public Library, 3500 S. Rural Road. 

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Giving Back

Annual Tempe Empty Bowls fundraiser takes place Feb. 22

Posted

Tempe Community Action Agency and United Food Bank will present the 23rd Annual Tempe Empty Bowls fundraiser on Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Community Center Courtyard near the Tempe Public Library, 3500 S. Rural Road. 

This year’s Empty Bowls fundraiser will combine art and community action to help combat food insecurity in Tempe and nearby communities, a press release explained. The community is invited to check out and purchase the hundreds of beautiful pottery bowls on display while enjoying live music and delicious soup, which is free with the purchase of a bowl.

TCAA and United Food Bank work with Tempe Union High School students, teachers and local artists and the Edna Vihel Arts Center to create hundreds of handcrafted, decorative clay bowls for display and purchase during the event. 

Each bowl represents the hundreds of “empty” bowls in the communities that United Food Bank and Tempe Community Action Agency aim to fill, the release stated.

Deborah Arteaga, CEO of TCAA, said in the release that each bowl created by local artists and students serves as a powerful visual reminder of the hunger issues impacting the community.

“For over 30,000 adults and children, the food boxes and nutritious meals provided by TCAA are a lifeline and often their primary source of sustenance. Hunger doesn’t take a day off, and neither does our commitment to end it,” Arteaga said. 

Proceeds from the Empty Bowls fundraiser will benefit TCAA and United Food Bank. This community tradition has historically gathered over 5,000 attendees to achieve an annual fundraising goal of $30,000, according to the release.

United Food Bank CEO Jason Reed noted in the release that the number of Arizonans impacted by food insecurity has seen a significant increase over the years. 

“We are thrilled to once again partner with TCAA for the annual Tempe Empty Bowls fundraiser that will help provide community members in need with reliable access to everyday meals,” Reed said.

The first Tempe Empty Bowls event was held in 2002 and founding members of the steering committee were faith organizations carrying out their mission to care for the hungry, the release detailed. 

For more or to make an online donation, visit www.tempeemptybowls.org.

Tempe Community Action Agency, United Food Bank, 23rd Annual Empty Bowls fundraiser, Tempe Union High School

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