Odessa American- Event looks to feed the hungry through art

ODESSA AMERICAN
It seems like $10 won’t get you far with the recent economy woes, but on Friday, it’ll buy you dinner and help feed those in need.

On Friday from 7 p.m. till 9 p.m., St. John’s Episcopal Church, 401 N. West County Road, will be holding their 13th annual Empty Bowl fundraiser in which $10 will get you a ceramic bowl, soup donated by Catfish and Company, a drink and dessert donated by Jalisco’s Restaurant. All proceeds raised Friday will go towards the West Texas Food Bank.

Chris Stanley, a volunteer with the event and professor at UTPB, said he was first inspired to volunteer with empty bowls after two students wanted him to put into practice the theory of using art to help solve the hunger problem. Since his first venture into the event, Stanley has been helping out ever since.

“They challenge me to have the courage to put the theory (of helping out with art) into action,” Stanley said.

Raising about $6,000 at last years event, Stanley said the event this year will also contain a silent auction to help raise money and a musical performance from the Odessa High School Orchestra.

The empty bowl fundraiser also got some help from an unusual source this year: children. Working with the Boys and Girls Club summer program and the Ellen Noel Art Museum Summer Art Camp, Stanley said he got to experience a “transformative” experience working with them.

“They were wonderful, fun, gifted children,” Stanley said.

David Chancellor, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club, said this was the first year the children had a major roll, making 300 bowls, and they enjoyed working on the project.

“They really enjoyed the pottery wheel and making a mess,” Chancellor said jokingly.

Money raised Friday goes to the West Texas Food Bank, Chancellor said the Boys and Girls Club also benefits from the event because they get food from the food bank.

“It’s a win, win, win for everyone,” Chancellor said.