CULLMAN — Now in its ninth year, Empty Bowls of Cullman is once again helping to fill the shelves of one of the county’s most crucial ministries, the Cullman Caring For Kids Food Bank (CCFK). It has become more than just a charity function. It is a tradition of caring — of casting bread upon the waters of humanity in its most basic form — feeding the hungry and uplifting the soul.

Not just the hungry ticket holders who eagerly show up to enjoy Bobby Nolen’s famous signature chili and grilled cheese and receive a lovely handcrafted bowl made by talented area potters, but the hungry who Jesus promised would be with us always, those of our community who, for one reason or another, have fallen on hard times. It was for this reason that Empty Bowls was conceived as a way to reach out to those in need, to fill their empty bowls with nourishment and their heavy hearts with hope.

It has been proven again and again that one good turn deserves another. In the case of Empty Bowls of Cullman, that original good turn in November 2003, has multiplied in the manner of the parable of the loaves and fishes, albeit not quite as suddenly.

That first year there were nine potters who donated their time, talents and expertise to provide a starting point for what has turned into one of the largest, most anticipated community outreach events of the year.

According to Empty Bowls of Cullman treasurer, Jane Ellison, "Empty Bowls has raised $67,000 over the past eight years for our local food bank. The generosity of our patrons, both individual and businesses, has been overwhelming each year. Last year we served 650 people.” Cullman Caring For Kids  Executive Director Javon Daniel is quick to share what this means to the food bank.

“Last year the money from Empty Bowls enabled the food bank to provide for approximately 2,800 families over a four- to five-month period.”

Even with the tornadoes, its shelves were never bare thanks to the giving hearts of Cullman County’s citizens.

“This year our goal has been raised to 800 bowls,” said Empty Bowls Coordinator Tanya Shearer, who was instrumental in bringing Empty Bowls to Cullman. “Last year Empty Bowls raised $10,300 for CCFK,” said Daniel. “It makes it even more special because the whole community comes together to make this happen. It’s like watching the body of Christ working together, because although our host is the First United Methodist Church, the event is interdenominational and multi-generational,” she said. “It is a true joy to see God at work in our community through so many people using their unique gifts and talents.”

Empty Bowls requires a lot of preparation. Months of work go into making the keepsake bowls; hour upon hour is spent sitting at a potter’s wheel making gifts of love shaped from clay. Lynn Jetton volunteers to coordinate the potters throughout the year. Bowls are made by individual potters both at home and as a group at the Meek High School art studio in Arley. The bowls are taken to Wallace State Community College, glazed and fired in the Art Department’s kiln. All proceeds from the event go to Cullman Caring For Kids, which serves the entire community.

Many other hands and hearts work together to provide this community meal, from the volunteers who help in the kitchen to the guest musicians who make the evening so much fun, each giving of themselves through their time, talents and abilities. One of those volunteers, Teresa Bone, will be stamping and washing the 800 bowls the weekend before the event, as well as coordinating numerous other areas that night.

“T.J. Franey helps coordinate the student volunteers,” Shearer explained. “The students bus tables, help the elderly to their seats, and make sure that the carryout meals are taken care of. Last year we prepared 300 carryout meals.”  

In addition to great food, music and fellowship, there will be a live auction.

Perhaps the person without whose help this occasion would not exist is Bobby Nolen. Well-known as the “official chef” of Empty Bowls, Nolen puts in a long 14-hour day, starting at 6:30 a.m.

Nolen begins by picking up supplies and donations from various business and then proceeds to the kitchen at St. Bernard, the only place in town with enough large kettles to make chili to feed 800 people.

His grocery list includes approximately 180 pounds of hamburger meat, four cases of No. 10 (commercial size) red kidney beans, four cases of No. 10 cans of diced tomatoes, 40 pounds of onions, and a case of No. 10 cans of tomato sauce. According to Nolen, this makes about 70-80 gallons of chili.

Then he and his assistant, Clint Creel, spend the day preparing the mouth-watering chili and making grilled cheese sandwiches while the chili simmers slowly allowing its rich ingredients to blend perfectly.

This year’s Empty Bowls of Cullman will be held from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Feb. 20, at First United Methodist Church.

Tickets are $10 and are available at Cullman Caring For Kids, First United Methodist Church, and St. Johns Evangelical Church.

Anyone wishing to donate a big-ticket item for the auction, may contact Nancy Bryant at 256-739-1111.

• What: Empty Bowls chili dinner, a benefit for Cullman Caring For Kids Food Bank
• Where: First United Methodist Church in Cullman
• When: Monday, Feb. 20, 2012 from 4:30 to 7 p.m
• Cost: Tickets are $10 and includes Bobby Nolen’s chili and grilled cheese in a handcrafted keepsake bowl.Tickets may be purchased at Cullman Caring For Kids, First United Methodist Church, or St. John’s Evangelical Protestant Church.