Area artisans, restaurants, businesses, and volunteers have joined together in planning the 5th Annual Empty BowlsTM Event to be held Sunday April 22nd, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Park Place Dome in Traverse City. According to Laura Otwell, the Coordinator for the Fresh Food Partnership, "The Empty Bowlsä Event is the major annual fundraiser that supports the work of the Fresh Food Partnership. The event helps fight hunger by raising public awareness as to the need that exists in our community, as it also raises funds."
Organizers anticipate over 500 community residents will join in a simple meal of soup, bread, and beverages. The Grand Traverse Area's finest restaurants and producers will donate the food. Cabin Feaver and TC Celtic will provide joyous music for the event. The numerous event sponsors, include about 30 table sponsors and 15-20 restaurants and bakeries.
Before leaving, everyone will be invited to select a hand-made ceramic bowl donated by a local student or artist as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the world. The Potters and Sculptors Guild of the artcenter Traverse City will again spearhead this event that promises to be bigger and better than ever. Pamela Dueweke, the president of the Potters and Sculptors Guild and a member of the organizing committee, says, "I think it's wonderful. The Empty Bowls project is the first effort that the Potters and Sculptors Guild took on as a group. It is great to see how it's grown. In my heart it feels like magic!"
All of the funds raised by the event will be "put to work" by the Fresh Food Partnership (FFP). The FFP is a coalition of nonprofit organizations and volunteers working to buy and distribute locally grown fruits and vegetables from area farmers to local food pantries for people in need. The Partnership includes Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce, Land Information Access Association, United Way of Northwest Michigan, Northwest Human Services Agency, and Michigan State University-Extension.
Over the past four growing seasons, Fresh Food Partnership has been putting community donations to work. Dozens of volunteers have helped the FFP transport well over 105,000 pounds of fresh produce to 30 different food pantries and community meal programs across our five-county region. Literally thousands of people have been able to eat better food while benefiting local producers. As the new growing season gets underway, the Fresh Food Partnership looks forward to working with volunteers and area farmers to better support people with emergency food needs.
Editors note: Please contact the Fresh Food Partnership by e-mail at coordinator@freshfoodpartnership.org, or by phone at 929-3696 if you would like additional information.
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