Beverly’s Hearty Slice and Lourdes Backpack Ministry have been chosen as this year’s co-recipients for the 2024 Empty Bowls fundraiser. Tickets will go on sale in early September, and the fundraiser dinner/silent auction will take place on October 17.
The event will be held from 6-8 p.m. at the RiverPark Center (101 Daviess Street).
The main initiative of Beverly’s Hearty Slice revolves around supporting individuals and families in need through various programs and activities. They provide essential items such as pizza, water, hygiene supplies, and gift cards for utilities and Walmart. Some of their key initiatives are back-to-school events, Thanksgiving assistance, Christmas events, and homeless support.
“They intend to use the funds they receive from Empty Bowls for their bi-weekly events, with a major focus on their Thanksgiving food distribution,” according to a release from Empty Bowls.
Since 2018, the Lourdes Backpack Ministry has been providing four meals and snacks every Friday to the neediest 3- and 4-year-olds at Seven Hills Preschool. These meals are intended to be eaten over the weekend.
“Organizers report that the children, some of whom are homeless, react with joy as if it’s Christmas when they receive the food,” the release says.
Only 350 tickets will be available for the Empty Bowls fundraiser, and they go on sale on September 2. Tickets are $20 each and will be available for purchase here. Any tickets not pre-sold will be made available at the door the evening of the event.
The ticket allows attendees to select a ceramic bowl from hundreds of handcrafted bowls made especially for this event by local artisans, community members, and students at Brescia University. Brescia’s Art Department supplied some of the clay and glaze, and a location for most of the bowls to be created.
Each participant at the event will receive one of six soups made available by local restaurants, chefs, and churches; the soups will be served by “celebrity servers.”
As in years past, a silent auction will also be available at the event. Any person or organization wishing to donate an item or basket is encouraged to reach out to the Empty Bowls committee by email at [email protected]. It is a 501(c)3 organization, so all donations to Empty Bowls are tax-deductible.
The committee is also still seeking sponsorships, with tiers available from $250 and up. Information and an online registration form can be found here.
