MACON — Freshman at Mercer University are fighting hunger in the community by hosting the first Empty Bowls Event in Macon. The First Year Experience class, lead by Mary Ann Drake, Ph.D., is coordinating the efforts of local artists and restaurants to hold a dinner at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 12 at the Cox Capitol Theatre. Tickets are $15 in advance and will include dinner and a handmade bowl. All proceeds will be donated to local organizations that have a positive impact on hunger fighting efforts in Macon.
Empty Bowls is a project started in the 1990s that raises funds for organizations that fight hunger. The premise of this fund-raiser is amazingly simple. Ceramic artists and students donate bowls of all colors, shapes, and sizes. A simple, donated meal of soup, salad, and bread is served in the donated bowls. Individuals purchase tickets, select a bowl, and partake in the meal. After the meal is served, participants take the bowls home as a reminder of the empty bowls in their community. All of the money collected will benefit local hunger fighting organizations.
“As a newcomer to Mercer and to Macon, it has been my privilege to become involved in the unique personality of Macon,” said Mercer freshman Charles Peterson. “The Empty Bowls Project is so remarkable because it unites the community in a common good. Students are working on a personal level, face to face with fellow members of the Macon community in an effort to bring awareness to a social problem. I consider myself blessed to be part of such a motivated, concerned group of students, and I hope that our efforts in supporting the community inspire other citizens to engage in such a noble cause. I believe that our actions will encourage others to become actively involved in supporting their own wonderful community.”
To learn more about the general premise and history of Empty Bowls visit www.emptybowls.net.
If you are interested in donating to or participating in the event at the Cox Theatre please visit
http://web.mac.com/jennieblanton
. You may also contact Kathryn Doornbos at kathryn.sydney.doornbos@student.mercer.edu
