Fundraiser helps to feed with ‘bowls’

The media and fine arts and culinary arts departments are planning their second annual “Empty Bowls Project.”

The two departments are working together to raise money for the Bay Area Rescue Mission.

For Contra Costa College students the price per bowl is $5, and general admission is $10.

The event will start at 11:30 a.m. and end at 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 12 in the Three Seasons Restaurant. Tickets will be available at the door.

Those who attend the fundraiser will be able to choose a ceramic bowl and take it home with them.

“There were 800 bowls made this year by my ceramics students for this event,” art professor Mary Law said.

“Half the fun is watching people pick their bowls. Each bowl is different and there are many to choose from. Those attending will be giving money for a good cause,” she said.

Law said the bowls represent and remind guests of the empty bowls around the world.

After choosing a bowl, guests can select from a variety of soups.

Culinary arts department Chairperson Nader Sharkes said this year’s selections will feature New England clam chowder, lentil and chicken-vegetable soup.

Sharkes said last year almost $3,000 was raised by the departments collectively. He and his students hope to surpass those profits and have more guests this year.

He said his students feel terrific about being part of a cause which makes them feel like they are part of their community.

The two departments are anticipating a bigger attendance for this year, Law said.

“Creating the bowls was a big success and the students enjoyed themselves,” Law said.

Law said her students spent two weeks making each bowl for this event with the help of gratis employee Allen Perlof who runs the kiln. This way students learn how to make the bowls in addition to helping their community.

Ingredients for the variety of soups were also donated by the culinary art department’s vendors, including Bay City Produce.

The profit made through the project is donated to the Bay Area Rescue Mission to help support the local homeless population and end hunger.

The project was held last year in the Fireside Room, but the departments hope to get more people to come to the Three Seasons Restaurant this year. The departments are hoping for nice weather as they wish to provide outside seating on the restaurant’s patio area.

According to its website, the Bay Area Rescue Mission, located in Richmond, provided more than 1.7 million meals to needy men, women and children last year alone.

The program works alongside the culinary arts department for the mission’s job skills training program, providing college credit for those in need.

“Empty Bowls” started in 1991 by Lisa Blackburn and John Hartom after learning its district was short of money for its annual food drive. Information packages were sent and educators around the U.S. started their own Empty Bowls events to raise money for World Food Day on Oct. 16.

Media and fine arts department Chairperson John Diestler said he got to the event late last year and all the clam chowder was gone. He suggests visitors should arrive early.