CULLMAN, Ala. – Touching the heart of many on Monday was the return of Empty Bowls of Cullman County, which raised money for the Cullman Caring for Kids (CCK) Food Bank. The goal of the event was to raise money and awareness about hunger issues in the community. As in years before, Cullman First United Methodist Church hosted the dinner in its 18th year.
The generous donations make it possible for the organization to provide meals to hundreds of children and families in need in Cullman County. On average, 10-12 tons of food pass through CCK each month, speaking to the great need in the community. It’s estimated that 30% of CCK clients are on a fixed income and/or are elderly.
In addition to being an opportunity for people in the community to come together to fight hunger, Empty Bowls also provoked meaningful conversations about poverty, access to food and inequality throughout the county. Many guests remarked that they felt inspired by what they learned at the event and were driven to do more within their own communities to make a difference.
Each $10 bowl of Three Guys’ Famous Gourmet Chili and grilled cheese sold at the event translates to 70 pounds of food to be distributed in the county. Funds were also raised through a silent auction with items donated by Monograms Plus, Southern Accents, MyWay Transportation and many others.
In previous years, those attending Empty Bowls each went home with a souvenir from the event – a ceramic bowl. However, this year there were far fewer ceramic bowls available due to the passing of local potters and Empty Bowls benefactors Wes Abbott and Margaret Kanza.
The Wallace State Community College Art Department’s Adrian Scott and Ramon Daniel, along with potters Sandra Abbott, Patti Bostick, Lynn Jetton and Marie Rhodes, donated many bowls that were available for an additional donation.
CCK Senior Director Javon Daniel said on Tuesday that the total amount of money raised had not yet been determined and would be available at a later date.
