(Jessica Soto/Citrus College Clarion)
A bowl of soup, a warm welcome and a good cause drew several hundred participants to the eleventh annual Empty Bowls event March 14 at the First Christian Church in Glendora.
Hundreds of donated ceramic bowls were set on display for passersby and attendees of the event to admire and purchase.
Many of the bowls were created by Citrus College students in Michael Hillman’s ceramics class.
“It’s a fantastic event that brings everyone together. . . all for a common goal,” Hillman said. The students are also able to see where their work goes to, which is another plus.
For a $20 donation, each buyer selects a ceramic bowl of their choice. They are then served a soup supper by a volunteer of the event. Six local restaurants, including Lucca Bella, Sergios, The Continental Restaurant, T. Phillips, Kara’s Corner and Ed’s Place, provided the soup.
“I love coming, it’s so much fun,” said Patricia Rasmussen, president of the Citrus College board of trustees. Rasmussen has attended the event for nine years. “It’s a great way to mix art and charity in one evening,” she said.
The Glendora Police Department uses some of the money collected at the event to distribute to local individuals and families in need.
Children, ages 12 to 14, from The Glendora Police Explorers Program volunteered to work the event, overseeing the ceramic bowls and assisting in the dining room.
Corporal Nancy Miranda of the GPD has been attending the event for six years.
“I’m able to see first hand who it helps . . . It’s a great community event,” Miranda said.
A three-year member of the First Christian Church, this was Terry Miller’s first time volunteering at this event. “A lot of people really desire to make a difference,” Miller said.
Miller also volunteers at other churches in the area. “It’s my life. That’s what I do. God has been good to me, so I can reach out to His people,” Miller said.
Approximately 212 bowls were sold and $4,240 was raised at the event.
