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Jamie Smith, tbnewswatch.com
Nelly Reedhead holds an empty bowl at Shelter House Monday morning.
What began in a church basement more than a decade ago is now a popular fundraiser that showcases the talents of local artisans.
The Empty Bowls Caring Hearts dinner started in 2000. Since then, it has raised more than $130,000 for Shelter House and the Thunder Bay Food Bank. For $30, participants get soup, dessert and something to go home with.
“You get to keep either a handcrafted bowl or a pair of placemats,” event chair Nelly Reedhead said.
The bowls and placemats were made by members of the Thunder Bay Potters Guild and quilting guild. There’s also a chance to raise another $7,500 through a quilt raffle.
A food box donated by vendors of the Country Market will also bring in donations. All told, the event hopes to raise around $18,000 for the shelter and food bank.
Reedhead said the event has come a long way since its beginning at the Wesley Untied Church.
“(It was) Just to raise awareness of the hunger and the need to help feed the hungry in our city and it’s grown from there,” she said.
Chefs from nine different restaurants have prepared the soups and local bakeries donated the buns and desserts. The event will be held Sunday Oct. 21 at the Moose Hall.