For 20 years, Tempe Empty Bowls has involved Tempe-area elementary and middle school classrooms, Tempe Union high schools, and many local artists who all create clay bowls and pottery to help raise money for organizations that help hungry people in Tempe.
This year’s event was held on Saturday, March 5th at the Tempe Library Complex and raised $13,000 for United Food Bank and Tempe Community Action Agency. Paired with other fundraisers the group did over the past year, they raised almost $18,000 – making their total fundraising for the past 20 years to be $290,000, which provides almost a 1.5 million meals.
Though late last year the volunteer group announced this would be their last Tempe Empty Bowls, the Emerging Leaders Committee through Tempe Community Action Agency has stepped up to carry the event into the future.
“The Emerging Leaders Committee is excited to take the reins of this beloved community event,” said Jazmine Reyes, chairperson of the committee. “While we have big shoes to fill, we are inspired to uphold the 20-plus year tradition that has continuously brought our community together. We look forward to building further and supporting local non-profits that align with our mission and values.”
You can follow Tempe Empty Bowls at @tempeemptybowls on Instagram and Facebook.
