Handmade bowls and local restaurants help fundraise for Gilbert Schools Backpack Buddies

Nearly two dozen local artists hand-crafted 150 bowls for a fundraiser aimed at reducing food insecurity in the Gilbert School District.

The first Empty Bowls fundraiser, set for 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, will support Gilbert Schools’ Backpack Buddies program, which provides meals to children at risk of hunger. The picker will serve the soup in a handmade bowl sculpted by a local artist. Each participant will receive their own bowl as a reminder that some bowls remain empty.

more: When is entertainment time in Ames?

Collaboration with Ames Arts Council and Hardie Clay Studio

Saturday’s event is the result of a collaboration between Ames Community Arts Council, Studio Hardy Clay and Backpack Buddies. Jennifer Brockpaler, director of the Ames Community Arts Council, said the goal of the fundraiser is to bring awareness to the Backpack Buddies program.

“There’s nothing more important than making sure kids don’t go hungry after school,” Brockpaler said. “This program helps ensure that they can continue to eat well and not always have to think about this problem with their family.”

more: The I-35 bridge near Huxley reopens Friday as the Iowa Department of Transportation resumes an interstate widening project

Two programs joined forces to fight hunger

Linda Hardie of Hardie Clay Studio said the Empty Bowl fundraiser was first started in 1990 by a Michigan potter. He wanted to somehow help the students who came to school hungry. It was such a success that within a few years, Empty Bowl fundraisers were being held across the country.

Traditionally, artists are invited to create and present bowls for serving a dish that guests can choose from. They keep the cup as a reminder of all the empty cups in the world.

Backpack Buddies programs exist across the country to provide food to children from food-insecure families. Students in Gilbert schools who need meals on weekends and holidays are allowed to use the program.

visit their website or call 515-233-2421 to learn more about their services.

more: A special Iowa State University vocal concert pays tribute to Ames’ changemakers

A summer idea turned into a local fundraiser

Gilbert’s project was born in July after Brockpaler’s conversation with Hardy.

In August, Hardy hosted a “bowl throwing party” at her studio, and nearly a hundred bowls were thrown that day. In total, around 150 bowls were discarded, painted and glazed for Gilbert’s Empty Bowls fundraiser.

“The Empty Bowls fundraiser is a great way to raise awareness of local food insecurity as well as raise money for a local food charity,” Hardy said. “I’ve been lucky enough to participate in Empty Bowls events over the years and it’s always rewarding.”

Brockpaler said the collaboration shines a light on “creative people who are finding creative solutions” to the problem of food security.

“It’s been a great experience working with different people — artists, business people, volunteers — to meet a need,” Brockpaler said. “We all bring unique perspectives and skills, and it’s been a pleasure working together to do our small part in fighting child hunger in our community.”

Aunt Maudes, The Cafe, The Open Flame and others donate to the soup supper

Saturday dinner runs until 8:00 pm at the Gilbert Franklin Community Room (105 SE 2^n.d Saint, Gilbert).

Soup was donated by local restaurants such as Aunt Maude’s, The Cafe, Ge-Angelo’s Italian Restaurant, The Open Flame, Provisions Lot F. and The Vault. The Lincoln Center Hy-Vee and Wheatsfield in Ames donated bread. Desserts are provided by volunteers from Gilbert Lutheran Church, home of Backpack Buddies.

Tickets cost $25 when purchased with cash in advance, $27 online and, if available, $30 per door. Tickets are available by cash or check only at Hardie Clay Studio in Ames, The Vault in Gilbert and Octagon Center for the Arts in Ames.

Celia Broecker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on the Ames Tribune: The inaugural Empty Bowls fundraiser for Gilbert students will be held on Saturday