Catholic Outreach of Grand Junction feeds hundreds of people daily. Once yearly, they host an impressive fundraiser where all funds are allocated to provide those meals. Empty Bowls brings together community members of various talents and abilities and creates a unique event that is dependent entirely on volunteers and donations.
Empty Bowls originated in Michigan in 1990 when high school teacher John Hartom encouraged students to make ceramic bowls and used them to host a soup luncheon for the staff. After everyone had eaten, Hartom related that while they were full, many in the community had “empty bowls.” Those attending were asked to donate to the food bank and keep their bowls as a reminder of the less fortunate. This idea and representation quickly spread.
In 1996, word of the event reached Grand Junction and was presented to Sister Caroline Conway by Ginger Rice, Carol Murphy, and Denis Haberkorn. They organized the first local Empty Bowls fundraiser which was held at the Art Center.
Today, potters from all over the valley are invited to donate handmade ceramic bowls. On Empty Bowls Day, these bowls are laid out on tables and everyone with a ticket can choose their favorite one. Once chosen, the bowl is sanitized and filled with soup that has been made and donated by local restaurants. More volunteers staff the event and others provide live entertainment. Attendees can enjoy their meals and keep their bowls as a reminder of those in need.
The event has grown so much that the Art Center can no longer host the event and the annual Empty Bowls is now located at the Catholic Outreach building. A thousand tickets are available each year and they are often sold out.
The Art Center has continued its involvement and besides the many hours potters there spend making the bowls, the center also donates supplies and kiln space for potters who want to contribute. High schools, ceramics classes at Colorado Mesa University, and independent potters have all donated bowls to the fundraiser in past years.
Sister Karen Bland, a representative from the Grand Valley Catholic Outreach, attributes the success of the fundraiser to the community. She said, “While there are lots of catastrophes in the world and we can feel limited at times, there is always something we can do.” She suggests we start with little things and help using our skills and give back in ways that we can. Sister Karen has participated in Empty Bowls for the last 25 years. She makes dozens of bowls to donate each year. This year, she made around 75.
Empty Bowls shows us that everyone has something to give. We can help and lift in our own way, even by eating a bowl of soup.
To learn more about how you can donate or volunteer, visit catholicoutreach.org/how-you-can-help