Full bellies, full hearts: 16th annual Empty Bowls event benefits food programs

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- MSOE's Kern Center hosted the 16th annual Empty Bowls event on Sunday, October 12th. It's a one-of-a kind fundraiser that brings the community together to enjoy the work of area artists, restaurants and entertainers to benefit Milwaukee area food programs.

Those who attended on Sunday got to choose from a collection of more than 2,000 ceramic bowls handcrafted and donated by local artists, teachers and students. Then, those bowls were filled with soups prepared by local chefs -- and served with bread and other refreshments.

Since 1999, Milwaukee Empty Bowls has donated over half a million dollars to help feed the those in need in the Milwaukee metro area. More than 95% of the funds raised during this perennially popular event – held around World Food Day – go directly to aid the hungry in our community.

During the event’s 15-year history, more than 27,000 bowls have been purchased. Guests take their bowls home to serve as a reminder that there are always empty bowls in our community.

For more information, you're encouraged to visit milwaukeeemptybowls.org.