Some 1,800 handmade bowls in all shapes, colors and sizes filled the tables Oct. 20 at the seventh annual Empty Bowls benefit for Channel One Food Bank and Food Shelf.
The bowls were there "to serve as a reminder of the empty bowls found in the local community each and every day," said Jennifer Woodford, communication and development director for Channel One.
The bowls were crafted by local students, artists, inmates at the Federal Medical Center and fine arts students at Rochester Community and Technical College.
This year's benefit was held at the Rochester Art Center. A simple meal of soup and bread, donated by local restaurants and bakeries, was served to attendees.
Linda Frie, who lives on Lake Zumbro and is a past worker at the art center, said, "The soups were amazing and there was a nice combination of homemade breads." Attending with her neighbor, Vickie Reller, both agreed it is a worthwhile event.
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"I had the salmon bisque and it was wonderful," said Debra Syring, of Rochester. "I loved having the opportunity to support Channel One, get a beautiful handmade bowl and eat a terrific lunch."
A volunteer from Eastwood Bank, an event sponsor, Becky Seavey, of Rochester, was a first-timer at the Empty Bowls event.
"There has been a steady stream of people. ... It is nice to see such support," she said.
Ryanand Sara Kling-Punt,from Byron, have been attending the benefit for four years. Both agreed that the event is something they look forward to each year.
Jane Hanson, of Rochester, was busy wrapping bowls at the event.
"I am retired and enjoy doing this every year," she said. "What a great cause and the restaurants, bakeries, artists are so generous."
Laura Lee, co-anchor at KAAL-TV, said with a laugh, "It is a difficult job, knowing which soup to recommend."
Empty Bowls is the main fundraiser for Channel One, which, in fiscal year 2010-2011, distributed more than 8 million pounds of food to people in need. Channel One is a member of Feeding American and is the largest hunger relief organization in southeastern Minnesota. For more information, go to www.helpingfeedpeople.org .
