The sixth annual Pike County Salvation Army’s Empty Bowls Luncheon Friday was a rather competitive event.
The doors to the Family Life Center at Bush Memorial Baptist Church in Troy opened at 11 a.m. and the early birds were eager beavers to get their choice of nearly 200 handcrafted bowls made just for the 2014 Empty Bowls fundraiser.
Even Andy Martinack, who is a rather accomplished potter, had a difficult time choosing a “favorite” from so many unique bowls which may be functional or decorative or both.
Former Troy University football players, Tony Davis and Kyle Wilborn, opted for functional.
Unlike most others who chose to dine on Chinet, Davis offered the bowl of his choice for filling and refilling.
Kim May, Pike County Salvation Army director, said more people than usual ate from the bowls they selected as part of their admission ticket.
“Each person who bought a ticket got to select a bowl to take home and was also invited to enjoy the all-you-can-eat soup bar,” May said. “The soup bar featured several different soups, chili and camp stew and beverages and desserts.”
The annual Salvation Army Empty Bowl fundraiser has become a Troy “event” as friends and neighbors come together in an effort to feed the hungry in Pike County.
May said there was a great turnout for the Empty Bowls Luncheon and the funds raised will help stock the Salvation Army’s pantry.
“The purpose of the Empty Bowls Luncheon is to raise money to help feed the hungry,” May said. “At the Pike County Salvation Army Service Center, we always have requests for food. It doesn’t matter what time of the year. There is always a need and a genuine need. As with all fundraisers for the Salvation Army, the money raised stays right here in Pike County to meet the needs of our friends and neighbors.”
May expressed appreciation to all of those who made bowls, those who donated food and those who came in support of the annual fundraiser.
“We hope that all of those who took home an empty bowl will be continually reminded that there are hungry people around the globe,” she said. “On Friday, we helped fill the empty bowls in our community and we are thankful for the community’s continuing support.”