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About eleven years ago, clay artists,  Larry Percy and Marion Parker, and Kim May, director of the Pike County Salvation Army, put their heads together in an effort to help feed the hungry in Pike County.

Their idea was to host a soup kitchen-like luncheon and invite the community to come. Out of that idea and the desire to help friends and neighbors in need, the Empty Bowls Luncheon became a reality in Pike County.

Each year, “the soup is on” in kitchens all around the county as cooks donate their favorite soups and local restaurants each donate a kettle of their “famous” soups, stews or chilies.

This year, the Empty Bowls Luncheon to benefit the Pike County Salvation Army has been re-scheduled several times due to COVID-19. But, Empty Bowls 2020 is set for 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Friday at the Bush Baptist Church Family Life Center.

“For a $20 donation, we’ll have 20 different soups and more on the soup line,”  May said. “Those who prefer carry outs will have their choice of three soups. Dessert and bottled water come with the luncheon. You won’t get better soup, stews and chilies anywhere. We invite everyone to come, enjoy the meal, live entertainment by Ed Whatley and take home an “empty” handmade pottery bowl made by some of the area’s best clay artist.”

The Empty Bowls are made by students at area high schools and Troy University as well as local clay artists.

Several of the clay artists donate their work to be put up for bid at the bid table.

“These are outstanding clay works and each will be a treasure for whoever is fortunate enough to get the bid,” May said. “The silent bidding will open at 11 a.m. and close at 1:30 p.m. so that everyone will have an opportunity to get in their final bids. The bidding is a lot of fun and those who win the bids will have a treasured piece of clay art.”

Artists who donate their work to the bowl bid auction include, but not limited to, Larry Percy, Walter Black, Drew Black, Carter Sanders, John and Millie Biggie, Marion Parker, Judy Baxter and Kim May.

“We appreciated the support of these artists and all of those who donated their artwork,” May said. “The early birds get the first pick on the empty bowls to take home as a reminders of the tens of thousands of people around the world who know what real  hunger is like. But down to the last bowl, every bowl helps feed our friends and neighbors in need right here in Pike County. May expressed appreciation to all those who work to make Empty Bowls a success each year and to the many who come in support of the fundraising event.

“Empty Bowls is our second largest fundraiser, next to our Red Kettle Campaign. The money for both goes where it does the most good here in Pike County. The weather is supposed to be nice on Friday and we encourage to come out, enjoy a soup luncheon.”

and do something good for our community.”