Dinner proceeds help fund Ashland’s free dinner programs
Ashland.news staff report
Tickets are on sale for Empty Bowls, a traditional Peace House fundraiser that supports free Ashland dinner programs, including Uncle Foods Diner, Food Angels, and Jobs with Justice Peace Meals.
The annual supper will be held from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25, in Wesley Hall at Ashland’s First United Methodist Church.
Diners choose unique, handcrafted ceramic bowls for their soup, dished out by “celebrity servers,” including elected officials and civic leaders, along with artisanal breads from local restaurants and bakeries. A buffet of home-baked cookies tops off the meal.
“Providing food addresses a fundamental human need,” said Oregon Rep. Pam Marsh. “Empty Bowls brings us together to support the essential food programs that nourish the community.”
Celebrity Servers this year include public figures including Marsh, Ashland Police Chief Tighe O’Meara, Ashland Councilor Bob Kaplan and Jackson County Judge Benjamin Bloom, among others. Civic leaders include Barry Thalden and Nancy Seward joining Ashland.news Editor Bert Etling, Elizabeth Fairchild, Cynthia Taylor and Lorraine Cook.
Organizers say this is an opportunity to connect with neighbors while donating to help fill the gap for those in need.
“We love empty bowls as a place to experience true community and supporting vital programs that feed hungry people,” said Rich Rohde, an advocate for equitable housing and longtime attendee.” I know that our ticket purchase makes a difference and the soup is so delicious!”
Hundreds of unique, handcrafted bowls have been provided by local potters and artisans associated with Clayfolk and Talent Maker City. Ticket holders take the bowls home when they leave the event. The soups have been donated by local restaurants, including Harvey’s, Second St. Bistro, Sawadee, and Happy Bowls among others. Freshly baked bread has been donated by Rise Up!, Phillipe’s, La Baguette, and The Village Baker.
The event offers an opportunity for a well-acquainted community to sit down to a simple meal of hot soup, bread and cookies while also benefiting the food programs hundreds of people depend on, to make ends meet. All proceeds will benefit the meals provided by Uncle Food’s Diner and Jobs with Justice Peace Meals, as well as the Food Angels distribution program.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students. Children under 12 years old will be admitted without charge, and there will be vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options. Tickets are available online at peacehouse.net or at the door.
Source: Ashland Peace House news release. Email Ashland.news at [email protected].
Oct. 21: Event date corrected to say Friday, Oct. 25, not Oct. 21.
