Suzanne Stewart
Staff Writer
Ten years ago, the Pocahontas County Family Resource Network began to sponsor Empty Bowls as a fundraiser to not only support its food pantry, but as a way to bring the community together to enjoy an evening of good food and entertainment at the Pocahontas County Opera House.
The concept is simple; the price of a ticket covers a meal and locally made ceramic bowl. All the proceeds go to the FRN food pantry, which serves families in Pocahontas County.
The 10th annual Empty Bowls event was held last Thursday, and the Opera House was packed with people who escaped the dreary weather to enjoy a bowl or two, or three, of a variety of soups, stews and chilis donated for the event.
Two large tables near the entrance were decorated with all the bowls up for grabs. This year, they were made by local potter Cynthia Gurreri, who had help from Pocahontas County High School students who painted and glazed the bowls before they were fired.
Halfway through the event, FRN director Stacy Vandevander gave a special presentation.
“All of the proceeds from tonight – from your ticket, any donations made, the silent auction items – they all go back to our food pantry to purchase food for people in our community and that’s just something really special,” she said. “There are so many of you that give your time, your energy, your resources to make this event possible and I just want you to know that we are incredibly thankful for all of you. It is definitely a community effort, and we could not do it without you guys.”
Vandevander recognized one individual in particular who has given his time and talents to the cause for the past 10 years.
“I want to recognize Richard [Hefner],” she said. “He has been someone who has been a part of this event from the very beginning. He has come here and played for free, giving his time and resources.”
Vandevander presented Hefner with a plaque which recognized his dedication to the Empty Bowls events and for always providing musical entertainment for the crowd without asking for anything in return.
“We want to present you with this from the FRN just to say thank you for your efforts and the support you’ve given us over the past decade,” Vandevander said.
