When ceramics instructor Al (Alisa) Holen, of Mississippi University for Women, set a goal of having 1,000 hand-crafted bowls made to sell at the Nov. 6 Empty Bowls fundraiser for hunger relief, she had confidence in the university and the community at large. And they came through.
As of Wednesday, 1,128 bowls had been made in the MUW studio, and Columbus High School, West Lowndes High School, Heritage Academy and East Mississippi Community College are adding to that number with bowls made at the schools.
In addition to students, civic groups, business employees and a host of interested individuals signed up to make wheel- and hand-thrown bowls at MUW, with clay donated by Columbus Brickyard. The bowls, filled with delicious soup, will be up for sale Saturday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on the grounds of The Shops at Brickerton, at the intersection of Highway 82 and Military Road in Columbus. Live music by Paul Brady will add to the festive atmosphere.
Bill Walker of Brickyard Properties said, “You, your friends and family can buy a handmade ceramic bowl the day of the event for $10. You will receive a bowl of great-tasting soup made and served by gracious restaurants such as Zachary”s, Possum Town Tavern, Huck”s Place, Station Seven Sports Bar and Grill, and the Trinity Café. When the soup is gone, the bowl serves as a reminder that you took part in raising funds and awareness for the issues of hunger in this community and around the world.”
All proceeds will benefit Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen in Columbus and Global Connections” Adult Feeding Program in Limuru, Kenya. Last year”s event, with about 500 bowls, produced donations totaling approximately $6,000. Organizers are hoping for even greater results this year.
“This will be a big day in Columbus, with events like the downtown open house, Decorative Arts Forum, Giant Possum Town Yard Sale, Kappa Pi art auction and Empty Bowls,” said Holen. “If anyone stays home on Saturday, we”ll have to worry about them!”
For more information, contact Holen at [email protected], or 662-241-7814.
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