Empty Bowls event raises funds for local families in need

On Thursday, Oct. 30, Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) hosted the second annual Empty Bowls fundraiser event to benefit the Chandler Christian Community Center (CCCC). The event was sponsored by members of Student Life and the Service Learning Office. Attendees purchased handmade ceramic bowls for $10 made by CGCC ceramics students with 100 percent of the proceeds benefitting CCCC. This year's event raised $4,709 for families in need.

"We are grateful for those who came out to support the Empty Bowls event and to help fight hunger in the local community," said Alexandra Cannell, service-learning coordinator at CGCC. "The goal of Empty Bowls is to bring food to the table for families who are struggling by bringing art to the community. Due to the dedication and participation from our students, we were able to reach that goal."

Event attendees were served a 300-calorie meal which included a cup of hot soup and a bread roll. This light fare meant to signify the average amount of calories a food-insecure person eats in one day.

CCCC's mission and vision is to change lives by nourishing minds and bodies to create a connected, thriving community and to have a healthy and productive community built on a foundation of dignity and hope. Each year CCCC distributes over 15,000 food boxes with enough food to feed over 50,000 adults and children.