Once again, the generosity of Pike Countians came through in an effort to fill the Empty Bowls of friends and neighbors.

The Salvation Army’s Empty Bowls Luncheon on Friday was, once again, a great success said Kim May, Pike County Salvation Army Service Center director.

“The Empty Bowls Luncheon raised $13,000 and that’s great for a no-cost event,” May said. “Thanks to the many who donated soups and such, desserts, breads and beverages, to the celebrities who donated bowls for the silent auction, our sponsors, our volunteers and all who came to the luncheon, we will be able to fill many empty bowls through our food pantry.”

Debi Green, co-chair for the Empty Bowls, said this was the first year that every bowl donated for the silent auction was bid and bought.

“The highest bid for a celebrity bowl was $200 for Larry Percy’s creation,” Green said. “The silent auction always generates a lot of interest and the bidding is competitive but friendly.”

Each person who bought a ticket for the luncheon also had the opportunity to take home a handmade clay bowl.

“There was a great selection of bowls and making a decision on which bowl to take home was not an easy choice,” Green said.

May said the 2019 Empty Bowls Luncheon was the tenth year for the fundraiser and each year has been successful in helping feed those in need in the local area.

“Sometimes we might think that no one goes to bed hungry here in Pike County but that’s not true, especially among the elderly who are living on fixed incomes,” May said. “They have difficult choices to make and often they do without food to rather than medications or comfort. Then, there are unforeseen circumstances such as illnesses and loss of jobs and emergency situations. The Salvation Army always stands ready to help.”