Empty Bowls event brings awareness and funds to fight hunger

Publication Date

By: Dorothy Hazan '16

The Empty Bowls Project in partnership with the Kenney Community Center will host a fundraiser Sunday in the GE Theater at Proctor’s to raise money and awareness in the fight against area hunger.

Those who attend the student-organized event will receive a delicious, simple meal and a handcrafted ceramic bowl – a symbol and a reminder of all the bowls worldwide that remain empty as a result of hunger. Additionally, there will be various raffles and auction items, with entertainment by the Dutch Pipers, the Eliphalets, the Garnet Minstrels, Heavenly Voices Gospel Choir, U-Break and spoken word poetry by Melanie Gonzalez.

A meal of chili, bread and soup will be provided by Bombers Burrito Bar, Dining Services and Tara’s Kitchen, with dessert provided by Campus Kitchens.

"It’s a great opportunity for faculty, staff, students and the Schenectady community to come together for a good cause,” said Tori Chee ’13, former director of Campus Kitchens, a student-run organization that donates food to Schenectady City Mission weekly. “I hope it encourages people to volunteer.”

All proceeds of the Empty Bowls event will go to Bethesda House, Concern for the Hungry and Schenectady City Mission to feed the hungry in the area. Last year, the event made more than $2,000 that went toward feeding Schenectady’s hungry.

“The Empty Bowls Project is an international grassroots organization with the goal of raising awareness and funds to fight world hunger,” said Jennifer Sexton, one of the coordinators of the event.

The event will be held on Sunday at 5 p.m. A shuttle will be available to transport students from the College to Proctor’s theater. Tickets are available at the Kenney Community Center every weekday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is $20 for the general public and $15 for Union students.