Emergency Food Network Nourished By Successful Empty Bowls Fundraiser

There was soup, there was shopping, and there was a whole lot of giving spirit.

The result of such a combination was what Helen McGovern deemed a highly successful afternoon.

“It’s fabulous,” said the executive director of the Emergency Food Network amid the hubbub of the 15th annual Empty Bowls event Saturday at Charles Wright Academy. “For some people, this is the start of the holiday season.”

It also was a chance to help the Lakewood-based organization, which distributes food to 67 food banks, shelters and meal sites in Pierce County. Every dollar donated purchases $12 worth of food.

And with an anticipated $20,000 coming in from Empty Bowls, that will buy a whole lot of food at a crucial time. EFN distributes 14 millions of pounds annually – and need continues to grow.

Local potters, carvers and glass workers donated more than 1,200 bowls, most of which were priced between $15 and $30. There were also several unique pieces, including wood vases for $50 and a gigantic blown-glass bowl for $300.

McGovern said that in the future, they hope to reach out to artists beyond the locals who donate their works because, “I think we could sell two times as many.”

This year, she added, would likely be the first that they would sell out.

McGovern herself purchased six bowls – five as gifts – and admitted that she had to keep herself in check.

“I could buy a ton,” she said with a laugh. “It’s hard not to. Every year, the quality of the bowls gets better.”

The vast array clearly pleased attendees, some of whom carried large cardboard boxes to transport their treasures over to the long line. Some of them were outside long before the sale started in the early afternoon in hopes of getting the best bowls. After all, during the holiday-shopping season, time is of the essence.

Lauren Murphy of University Place bought 15 bowls to give as Christmas presents.

“It’s a very affordable gift, but it’s also for charity,” she said. “I’m giving them something to say that I’m giving to charity.”

Judy Peterson, also of University Place, felt similarly. She and her husband attended the event last year and the gifts they purchased were a hit.

But, she added, just in case she decided to keep this year’s purchase, “It would go with my house.”

In 15 years, Karen Wild of Tacoma said she has only missed one Empty Bowls. This year, she snagged seven bowls that she planned to fill with pasta or chocolate.

“I keep my friends in mind,” she said in regard to her strategy. “Whoever has the earliest birthday gets to pick their bowl – and chocolates first.”

After checking out the bowls, attendees were invited to partake in an array of complimentary soup from Adriatic Grill, Asado, Infinite Soup, The Swiss, Pacific Grill, Chambers Bay and PLU Catering. Among the offerings were chicken tortilla, lentil sausage and butternut squash with cream, apple cider and garnished with apple crisp.

“This is the best we’ve ever had,” McGovern said. “It’s almost like a mini-‘Iron Chef’ competition. It’s such a great balance.”

Friday night, EFN hosted an art show called “Vessels” in conjunction with the Empty Bowls event. The show focused on works from regional artists, and pieces were judged and auctioned during the evening. While McGovern said the turnout was not as high as she had hoped, she thought the event went decently.

Back in the gymnasium, the checkout line continued to grow as bowl hunters of all ages perused the offerings.

Among them were Andrew Reese, 10, and his cousin, John Nunes, 8, who were on the lookout for matching bowls. In a room of unique offerings, it was no easy task, but they eventually settled on a pair glazed bowls in a cheery shade of yellow and contrasting deep black.

“I liked it because it reminds me of the dark of midnight and the light of day,” Andrew explained. “And maybe there will be a cool reflection.”

John’s rationale was a bit simpler: “I wanted to have the same as my cousin.”

And his sister, Rachel, 10, proved that you’re never too young to appreciate art.

“I’ve done pottery,” she said, gesturing at her selection, a pale-green bowl etched with leaves. “I know how hard it is.”