A cold, blustery day ended up being the perfect opportunity to enjoy a hot bowl of soup during the Empty Bowls fundraiser Tuesday, Oct. 27.
More than 110 bowls were sold at the fundraiser aimed at bringing funds to the Ponoka Food Bank. That was close to double the amount sold in last year’s event, said Shelly Van Eaton, organizer and program co-ordinator with Family and Community Support Services. “We almost doubled our numbers. We sold 112 bowls and last year was 70.”
The event was held at the Ponoka First Baptist Church, which brought donated bowls from the Ponoka Potter’s Guild, hot soup and buns from businesses and community organizations as well as a rice pudding dessert from a local dessert maker. For $20, attendees received a hot bowl of soup donated by several businesses in the community in addition to the bowls the soup was served in and a chance to find refuge from the cold weather.
Lacombe residents also attended the fundraiser, explained Jan Holoboff, a member of the guild. “We always have a good turnout.”
The grassroots program is aimed at bringing funds to organizations that support people in need of food and the Ponoka Food Bank is an ideal agency to support, said Holoboff. She added the guild is moving to the old Ponoka Elementary School pink building.
Van Eaton said the support this year from businesses and volunteers was even greater than before and she is grateful for the time and the donations. Having the food and buns and water donated provided more money to go to the food bank. Leftovers were taken to the Ponoka Rising Sun Clubhouse.