You know, everybody’s $10 ticket tonight will buy $70.00 worth of food which will go to the food bank.”Tanya Shearer, Empty Bowls
CULLMAN – The 13th Annual Empty Bowls Chili Dinner was held on Monday night, Feb.15 at Cullman First United Methodist Church’s Hearin Hall, and although it poured rain all day and night, the crowds were not deterred. The event featured delicious chili served in handcrafted pottery bowls. There was also a silent auction and southern gospel music performed by local entertainers. All proceeds from the event go to the Cullman Caring for Kids United Way Food Bank.
“The atmosphere here tonight is just wonderful and it’s such a joy to be here,” said Nancy Bryant, assistant director of Cullman Caring for Kids. “The grilled cheese sandwiches and chili smells awesome and very welcoming,” she smiled. “The silent auction is going great and there is some really terrific music playing. We have a great community here in Cullman. There are some really good people here tonight. Everyone is happy.”
People from all ages were at the event volunteering their time and talent. All were eager to help in any way they could. There were Boy Scouts helping deliver food to those who had ordered take-out, despite the rain and chilly weather. Students from Vinemont High School were on hand to assist the guests with their drinks and help them find a place to eat.
“This is a great event and involves the entire community,” said T. J. Franey, special projects coordinator for Cullman County Schools. “It’s a great time for everyone to come together for a great cause. We have had a great turnout, but it takes the help of the whole community to put it on. We are thankful for everybody who has come and done their part, whether it was buying a ticket or coming out to work it.”
During this year’s event, organizers unveiled a new opportunity, ‘An Empty Bowls Potter’s Apprentice,’ and attendees were encouraged to sign up and get involved.
“There were 980 bowls made and donated this year, which was just shy of our goal of 1,000,” said Tanya Shearer, event organizer. “The Apprentice Program will teach you how to make hand built bowls and lets you help with glazing and transporting the bowls. Hopefully with this program, we will be able to have even more bowls next year. This is just a few of the simple things you can do that would be a big help to Empty Bowls,” she smiled.
Shearer has been involved with Empty Bowls from the very beginning. She gives credit to God for the event’s growth and success.
“This is the 13th year for Empty Bowls and we are so thankful and very blessed for what God has done for us during all 13 of those years,” she grinned. “He has definitely been in charge and there have been so many good and wonderful people working with us over the years. Tonight each volunteer did their job and together accomplished great things. For a lot of people money is tight right now,” she continued. “This is something they can do and they can give back and make a difference.
“You know, everybody’s $10 ticket tonight will buy $70.00 worth of food which will go to the food bank,” she added. “We have the Lion’s Club coming tonight and we’ve had different organizations pick up for their employees. That is a big deal and we are very, very thankful.”
For more information about the Empty Bowls program, email cullmanemptybowls@gmail.com or visit http://qrne.ws/bowls.
For more information about the Empty Bowls Potter’s Apprentice Program, contact Lynn Jetton at 256-620-3120 or thejet@aol.com.
