Judson College Empty Bowls will launch its inaugural art-based fundraising campaign with an exhibit and meal in the fellowship hall of Siloam Baptist Church on November 3, from 5:00-7:00pm. The fundraiser is sponsored by the Judson College Social Work and Art Departments. All donations from the event will be contributed to a local organization fighting hunger in Perry County.
Two hundred colorful handmade bowls made by Judson College faculty and students will be displayed during the event. All bowls are made from clay dug locally in Perry County. For every $10 donation, each donor may enjoy a simple meal of soup and dessert and choose a bowl to keep. A silent auction of donated items will also be held.
According to a report by the non-profit “Feeding America,” Alabama ranks 4th among the 50 states in highest percentage of food insecure households (18.8%). Food insecurity refers to the USDA’s measure of lack of access, at times, to enough food for an active, healthy life for all household members, as well as limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate foods. Perry County has a household food insecurity rate of 30%, which in 2014 totaled 3,060 individuals.
Empty Bowls Project, an initiative begun by the non-profit Imagine Render, is an international grassroots effort to raise both money and awareness in the fight to end hunger. Started by a Michigan high school ceramics class in 1990, Empty Bowls projects now raise fund to feed people in need, both locally and globally. Each Empty Bowls project is independent and self-governed.
This year’s Empty Bowls sponsors are Judson College students and faculty, Champion Pigments & Mine, Dr. Joann Williams, and David Sanders. For more information about the project or how to get involved, contact Jamie Adams at 251-802-7169.