WOODLAND — The Woodland Ceramic Club hosted an Empty Bowls fundraiser dinner on Dec. 1, raising more than $2,775 for the Woodland Action Center, a food bank based in Woodland.
Nearly 100 community members attended the fundraiser dinner, held at Woodland High School, where they chose their own bowl to keep from a variety of handmade ceramic bowls thrown and kiln-fired by the Woodland Ceramics Club. Attendees chose from several different soups donated by local area restaurants.
During the event, additional ceramic pieces made by local ceramic artists were auctioned off to raise additional funds. Culinary arts students from Woodland High School involved in the SkillsUSA and Creative Chef programs prepared the food, served it to attendees and cleaned up the event space while the Woodland High School Music Program provided live entertainment, as bands performed a number of different songs for the attendees.
The fundraiser was organized by Michael Smith, an art teacher at Woodland High School, who was inspired by Empty Bowls, a national project created by Imagine Render, a 501c3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to create positive and lasting change through the arts, education and projects that build community. The Empty Bowls Project has operated for 25 years as an international grassroots effort to raise money and awareness in the fight to end hunger.
Soup was donated by local restaurants, including Gudalajara Restaurant, Rosie’s Restaurant, The Oak Tree and the American Family Diner. Local bakery Kalama Bread Company provided bread for the dinner with Red Leaf Coffee providing coffee and beverages.
“We’re incredibly pleased with the turnout demonstrating how many community members and local businesses truly care for this cause,” Smith said. “We’d also like to thank the Arts of Clark County, Southwest Washington State, the School Retirees’ Association and Georgie’s Clay, who donated grant funds and materials to make this event possible.”
The Woodland Action Center is a community services organization based in Woodland, incorporating best practices by offering nontraditional hours and a personal shopping experience intended to empower client choice and waste. Learn more by visiting their website at www.woodlandaction.org. More information about Imagine Render and the Empty Bowls Project can be found on their website at www.emptybowls.net.
