The annual Empty Bowls event raised $12,000 for the Cullman Caring for Kids Food Bank.
Hosted last week at First United Methodist Church, event coordinator Tanya Shearer said more than 1,000 people were served throughout the evening.
Javon Daniel, director of Cullman Caring for Kids, said the Empty Bowls fundraiser comes at an important time for the food bank.
“The number of people we serve has been up in recent years because of the economy,” Daniel said. “After the holidays, you expect to see a decline in giving, so Empty Bowls is a tremendous effort. This was one of the highest amounts raised. The turnout was absolutely phenomenal.”
The food bank is open throughout the year in Cullman and is providing groceries for some 500 families per month.
Daniel estimated that 600 people dined at the church, while another 400 stopped by for carryout orders.
“At one point the people were backed down the hallway for a hundred feet,” Daniel said. “It’s amazing how many people offer their support by attending and volunteering for this event.”
Shearer offered special thanks to Bobby Nolen, Jane Ellison, Lynn Jetton, TJ Franey, Sherry Green and Craig Mann for their help in planning the event this year.
“In addition, thank you to all of the hundreds of volunteers including potters, musicians, kitchen helpers and students who made this night possible. A special thanks to First United Methodist Church for hosting the dinner and Saint Bernard, Meek High School and the Wallace State Art Department for the use of their facilities,” Shearer said in a post-event statement. “We want to thank the people of Cullman County for their continued support and contributions to Empty Bowls each year. But most of all, we want to thank God for His blessings on this very special night in our community.”
David Palmer may be contacted at dpalmer@cullmantimes.com or 256-734-2131, ext, 213.
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Related Photos
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Previous attendee Cindy Ponder, right, of Cullman brought her mother Esther Sparks to the annual Empty Bowls event February 18, her first. "The chili was excellent and the atmosphere was very good," said Ponder who was enjoying musical group The Revelations. Amanda Shavers-Davis
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Empty Bowls raises $12,000
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