Photo by Shannon Malanoski People look over the handcrafted bowls at the Feb. 25 Empty Bowls fundraiser.
The Empty Bowls fundraiser to help the hungry finally has hit its $20,000 goal because of donations made well beyond the Feb. 25 event date at Central Middle School.
Richard Boyce, a member of the organizing committee, said that separate checks of $3,333 each are being made to each of the event’s six beneficiaries: Love Chapel, Turning Point Domestic Violence Services, the Salvation Army, the Community Center of Hope, Thrive Alliance and Horizon House.
The fundraising total originally landed at about $18,000 immediately after the gathering that attracted about 340 people — slightly fewer than the 500 organizers had hoped to see.
But, in the past few years, individuals, small businesses and corporations have donated afterward to add to the overall total and to help the cause. Boyce mentioned that organizers were positive about the monetary possibilities because of past generosity.
Lynne Hyatt and Judy Kiesow were event co-chairs. The fundraiser involves people buying volunteer-made soups, chilis, breads, desserts and more while listening to live entertainment — this year, that was musical duo Dan and Linda Mustard — and brief messages about the need to support struggling families locally.
More than 15 corporate sponsors also made the event possible, with the top three being Taylor Brothers Construction, RE/MAX Real Estate Professionals and NTN Driveshaft Inc.
Some of the community’s most visible leaders also pitched in as volunteers.
Columbus Executive Director of Administration and Community Development Mary Ferdon, Columbus Regional Health President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Bickel and Jim Roberts, superintendent of Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp., each helped serve food, dishing out selections made by people from their organizations or administration.
“They all had a great time,” Boyce said.
He said that this success could mean a higher goal for next’s year’s gathering.
“I would think that we’re definitely going to push it up, though I’m not sure exactly how high,” Boyce said. “I would think that maybe we would be willing to shoot for $25,000. The key will be in continuing to be able to have it in person, and for people in attendance to be able to talk with those from all the different organizations benefiting.”
