Empty Bowls adds take-out option
A fundraising lunch supporting the YWCA has added a take-out option this year, so community members can join in without having to dine out.
Empty Bowls is happening on Feb. 24. It’s a fundraiser for the YWCA Peterborough Haliburton’s food programs that includes lunch and a handcrafted bowl by a local artisan for $25.
There’s a dine-in lunch at The Venue and for the first time since it launched more than a decade ago, locals can grab lunch to-go from the YWCA.
Nicole Paré, YWCA associate of annual giving and events, said the YWCA decided to add a take-out option this year so no one would have to miss out.
“There were a lot of businesses who’d said, ‘if we could only close our doors and join you,’” Paré said.
The take-out option is being donated by Black Honey. They’re offering a choice of soup, bread and cheese and dessert. Each meal comes with a handcrafted bowl and can be picked up at the YWCA on Simcoe St. Order forms need to be in by Feb. 20.
Lunch at The Venue is happening from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Food is being donated by several local restaurants and businesses including Black Honey, Brio Gusto, The Magic Rolling Pin, That’s a Wrap, Catering Company, Thirteen Moons Wellness, La Hacienda and Sam’s Place.
There’ll also be a silent auction at The Venue and attendees are able to pick their own bowl at the event.
More than 250 bowls have already been created for the fundraiser, with more on the way. Bowls are being donated by artisans from Kawartha Potters Guild, Kawartha Woodturners Guild and the Artisans Centre Peterborough.
This year’s title sponsor for Empty Bowls is Peterborough and District Dental Society. They stepped up to sponsor the event in honour of Dr. Judith Buys, a local dentist who died suddenly last year.
“With her passing, we were really honoured that the Peterborough and District Dental Society had come on board as a sponsor for this event in her honour,” Paré said.
Dr. Buys sponsored Empty Bowls in the past and was an avid supporter of the YWCA.
“We loved working with Judith and her passion around food security, her energy was contagious,” Paré said.
The YWCA’s food programs provide access to health food and increasing food literacy for women and their families.
Last year, 26,331 meals were prepared and served to women living at Crossroads Shelter.
The Just Food program, a foodbox program allowing women to buy a box of food on a sliding scale, distributed 12,529 boxes.
Tickets for The Venue are available online at www.ywcagifts.com, the YWCA or at Kawartha Potters Guild on Talwood Dr. Order forms for take-out can be found online at www.ywcagifts.com or by emailing or calling at npare@ywcapeterborough.ca or 705-743-3526