Empty Bowls Showcases Student Art in Support of Redbud Area Ministries
by Miranda Barger, Writer
The annual Empty Bowls event was held in Buchanan on Friday April 21st. This unique event, which has been running for over 25 years, is organized by a group of dedicated volunteers in the community to raise funds and awareness for local food banks and hunger relief organizations.
The event, which took place at the Buchanan High School, featured a variety of handmade ceramic bowls, created by students and local artists. Attendees could purchase the bowls for a minimum donation of $5, which also included a simple meal of soup and cookies. Soups available were broccoli cheese, chili, macaroni and cheese, and a vegetarian option. All of the proceeds from the event went directly to the Buchanan Redbud Area Ministries.
The event was originally founded in 1995 by Buchanan High School alumni. I spoke with Marie Remington who was an art teacher at Buchanan High School from 1982-2004. According to Remington, the idea for the event came about as a way to bring together the community and create a sense of unity around a common cause.
“We wanted to do something that would not only raise awareness about hunger in our community, but also give people a way to get involved and make a difference,” said Remington. “The Empty Bowls event was the perfect way to do that.”
Over the years, the event has grown significantly, drawing hundreds of attendees each year. In addition to the bowls, the event also features a silent auction, which includes items donated by local businesses and artists.
According to an event organizer, the success of the event is due in large part to the support of the community. “We have so many people who volunteer their time and resources to make this event happen, “It’s really a testament to the generosity and compassion of the people who live here.”
Redbud Area Ministries, which is the primary beneficiary of the event, serves over 200 families in the area each month. Events like Empty Bowls are crucial to their ability to provide food and support to those in need.
“We rely heavily on donations and fundraisers like this to keep our pantry stocked and our programs running,”We’re so grateful to everyone who came out to support us and to the volunteers who worked tirelessly to make this event a success.”
Big plans are already underway for next year’s event, which promises to be even bigger and better than ever!
PAST Event Details:
- Who: Redbud Area Ministries, Buchanan Community Schools, and Roti Roti Art Center of Buchanan
- What: 28th Annual Community Empty Bowls Event
- When: Friday, April 21, 2023 ~ 4-7pm
- Where: Buchanan High School Auxiliary Gym (401 W Chicago St)
- Details:
- $5 Soup and Chili Take-Out Meal
- Including macaroni and cheese for the kids and a vegetarian soup option
- Pick out a clay bowl, take home supper, and Help Fight Hunger!
- All profits will be donated to Redbud Area Ministries Food Pantry.
- Check the latest details on the Event Page HERE.
About Redbud Area Ministries: RAM is an interdenominational and interracial ministry center started to organize the churches in the Buchanan and Galien School Districts to respond to individual and family needs.
About Roti Roti Art Center of Buchanan: The mission of the Roti Roti Art Center of Buchanan is to provide a place in our community dedicated to nurturing the arts by providing a quality educational program for all ages, as well as gallery exhibits, sales opportunities, and a gift shop that are supportive of class offerings and local artists, thereby enabling the Center to creatively enlist the power of the arts in promoting positive social change.
- Hours:
- Wed-Sun ~ Noon-6
- Mon-Tue ~ Closed (Classes Only)
About Buchanan Community Schools: Public School system for Buchanan, Michigan area. Our vision is to develop responsible, resilient, creative citizens capable of succeeding in a global society.
The Buchanan Chronicle 