Staff Reports | Happenings & Events
Tempe Community Action Agency and United Food Bank present the 23rd installment of the Tempe Empty Bowls fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 22 in the Community Center Courtyard near the Tempe Public Library, 3500 S. Rural Road.
This year’s Empty Bowls fundraiser will combine art and community action to help combat food insecurity in Tempe and nearby communities, according to a press release.
Tempe Community Action Agency and United Food Bank work with Tempe Union High School students, teachers and local artists and the Edna Vihel Arts Center to create hundreds of handcrafted, decorative clay bowls for display and purchase during the event, the release states.
“Each handcrafted bowl, created by local artists and Tempe students, serves as a powerful visual reminder of the hunger issues impacting our community,” said Deborah Arteaga, CEO of Tempe Community Action Agency. “For over 30,000 adults and children, the food boxes and nutritious meals provided by TCAA are a lifeline and often their primary source of sustenance. Hunger doesn’t take a day off, and neither does our commitment to end it.”
Proceeds from the Empty Bowls fundraiser will benefit local Arizona nonprofits Tempe Community Action Agency and United Food Bank. This beloved community tradition has historically gathered over 5,000 attendees to achieve an annual fundraising goal of $30,000.
“The number of Arizonans impacted by food insecurity has seen a massive increase over the years,” said Jason Reed, CEO of United Food Bank. “We are thrilled to once again partner with Tempe Community Action Agency for the annual Tempe Empty Bowls fundraiser, that will help provide community members in need with reliable access to everyday meals.”
The Empty Bowl Fundraiser traces its origins back to 1990, during which an impassioned Michigan High School arts teacher and student group sought a way to incorporate local, handmade art and resources to support a food drive to engage the community and amplify donor turnout. The first Tempe Empty Bowls event was held in 2002 and founding members of the steering committee were faith organizations carrying out their mission to care for the hungry. There are too many empty bowls within the community, this event helps to fill some in Tempe.
More info on Tempe Empty Bowls can be found HERE.
