Behind the Bowls

Behind the Bowls

TrueNorth’s Empty Bowls events are among the organization’s largest events of the year. Last year, 298 attendees showed up to support our Hunger Prevention programs. 

This year, TrueNorth aimed for 350 bowls to be hand-painted and hand-glazed to be given away at the upcoming events.

Volunteers were the driving force behind this enormous task.

Students, older adults from the Community Connections program and other volunteers spent hours painting meticulous details and ensuring every bowl was brushed with the colorful glaze.

Madison Butler, volunteer coordinator at TrueNorth, said contributing to the production of the bowls is a relaxing and physically accommodating form of volunteerism, allowing anyone to take part.

“These are efforts that people are putting in behind the scenes, maybe even months in advance,” Butler said. “Ultimately, it’s something that can go entirely unseen by the volunteers themselves, but something that’s really appreciated by the public.”

Along with those preparing the bowls, Butler said donors and day-of volunteers play a large role in putting on the events. The soup served to each attendee by local police departments is donated by local restaurants and caterers.

If you’re interested in seeing the hard work of our community come together, there’s still time to register for Empty Bowls! Register Here!