CULLMAN – The 12th Annual Empty Bowls of Cullman County dinner was held at the First United Methodist Church on Monday. Despite the cold and rainy weather, people filled the place, eager to pick out a lovely bowl and enjoy some delicious chili and a grilled cheese sandwich. Benefits from the night’s event went to the Cullman Caring for Kids Food Bank.
“Empty Bowls was started 12 years ago by a small group of people and myself. We got together and wanted to raise money for the food bank,” explained Tanya Shearer, volunteer at First United Methodist Church. “God’s hand was in it from the beginning; he brought the people together – the potters, Bobby Nolan, who made the chili, the students and everybody. It takes a lot of people to make this happen.”
The Empty Bowls program got its start in 1990 with John Hartom, an art teacher in Michigan and his students. The group put their heads together and held the first Empty Bowls dinner to raise money for their local food bank. The students made bowls and offered their guests a simple meal of soup, served in the bowls, along with bread.
Every dollar we raise, we give to Cullman Caring for Kids and they can buy seven pounds of food with every dollar that is given to them.” – Bobby Nolan, Chili Cook Volunteer for Empty Bowls
The guests were allowed to keep the bowls, which would serve as a reminder of the many hungry people in the world. A wonderful tradition began that night, a tradition that has traveled throughout the United States and around the world since.
Thankfully Cullman participates in the program, with preparations for the meal beginning months ago, but the actual food began cooking early in the day.
“Bobby Nolan and Clint Creel started early this morning at 7 a.m.,” Shearer continued. “They picked up the ground beef, went over to Saint Bernard and cooked the meat and chili in the huge kettles over there. Then they transported it back to the church. Several volunteers have been in there making the grilled cheese sandwiches since 1 p.m. this afternoon.”
“We had a great turnout,” said Nolan. “We were a little worried about the weather, but it seems to be doing well. We sold a lot of meals before we even opened up! We just have a good group of people who come every year and support it. Every dollar we raise, we give to Cullman Caring for Kids and they can buy seven pounds of food with every dollar that is given to them.”
Talented potters from throughout Cullman County worked diligently to make over 1,000 bowls to donate to the night’s event. The bowls are lovely and considered treasures to everyone who receives them.
“We have a lot of supporters who just donate money, and we also have people who buy the tickets just for the bowls,” Nolan smiled.
If you or someone you know would like more information about the Empty Bowls program, they may be contacted by e-mail at cullmanemptybowls@gmail.com or by following them on Facebook.
