A SERVING OF HOPE
Annual fundraiser fills bellies today, tomorrow
TROY, N. Y. » Event- goers gathered for a community meal Sunday as part of a charitable Collar City tradition designed to help those who are hungry.
Nearly 1,000 people participated in the 12th annual Empty Bowls fundraiser at the Italian Community Center. Guests enjoyed soup samplings from local eateries in handcrafted bowls made for the event by area artisans.
Empty Bowls is hosted each year by the Collar City Clay Guild and its partners during October, which is World Hunger Month. The purpose of the unique fundraiser is to fill bowls and bellies throughout the community far beyond the oneday event.
Proceeds from Empty Bowls, which typically totals around $ 16,000, are donated to more than a dozen charities that help feed the hungry in the city. This year, the benefiting organizations are the Commission on Economic Opportunity, Hope 7 Community Center food pantry, Italian Community Center, Joseph’s House and Shelter, Mount Ida Community Food Pantry, Provisions Community Food and Storehouse, REACT, Inc., Roarke Center, Salvation Army food pantry, St. Joseph’s food pantry, St. Augustine’s Church food pantry, TLP food pantry, Troy Damian Center, Unity House of Troy and the YWCA of the Greater Capital Region food pantry.
The idea behind Empty Bowls, said event chairperson Beth Joslin, is simply “to be good neighbors.”
It’s an opportunity for people to come together and work together “to support people who are in need in our community,” Joslin explained.
The event annually attracts hundreds of people from all over the Capital Region and is a successful fundraiser.
“We’re very proud to have this happen in Troy,” said Mayor Patrick Madden, thanking those involved in organizing it. “This will generate somemuch- needed revenue for food services in the community. This will help them feed people.”
Furthermore, “It’s a nice social event,” Madden said while standing among the crowds of event- goers. “It’s like a homecoming to see everybody. It’s a terrific event. I think it’s bigger this year than any year in the past, and I anticipate that it will continue to grow.”
Returning supporter John Wallace of Albany agreed.
“It’s a really great cause, helping out the less fortunate,” said Wallace, who was p[articipating for a sixth year. “We get beautiful handmade bowls, some really good food. It’s a really good event.”
Local chefs and restaurateurs, who donate many gal--
lons of soups for the event, are always willing to participate, as well.
“This has always been something to look forward to,” said Mud daddy Flats Quesadillary owner Dan Frament, who has been involved since 2013 and this year brought a vegan and gluten free roasted red pepper and chickpea soup.
Chef Rachel Mabb from The Ruck was also glad to serve up her fire- roasted pepper and tomato bisque, which went over very well with attendees.
“The Ruck loves to support good causes and be part of the community,” she said. “In every opportunity we get to support events like this, we’re happy to do it.”