Special Release – An improving economy and news that unemployment numbers are down can make it appear that hunger is no longer an issue in America. For 1 in 7 people in America, however, hunger continues to be an everyday reality. These are often hard-working adults, children and seniors—some could be your neighbors—who simply cannot make ends meet and struggle to put food on the table.
Rural areas like Brown County are often the hardest hit with an average of 15% of the population facing food insecurity.
The Good Samaritan Ministries’ Empty Bowls Project will fight hunger in Brown County one empty bowl at a time on Thursday, March 30 at the Brownwood Coliseum from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m.
“As we’ve prepared for this year’s event, we’ve really focused on who our neighbors are,” said Leesa Stephens, Executive Director for Good Samaritan Ministries. “We encouraged those painting bowls or making placemats to think about their friends and neighbors in need—real people, not just statistics on a page.”
The emphasis of the event is the hand-painted bowls that attendees take home as a reminder that hunger exists in Brown County, in America and around the world.
“There will be more than 1,000 bowls on display throughout the day for you to choose from,” said Stephens. “We will put out a nice selection at both the afternoon and evening sessions so no matter which one you choose to attend, you can leave with a beautiful hand-painted bowl.”
In addition to choosing keepsake bowls painted by area art students, nursing home residents and community members, those who come out to the coliseum that day, will also dine on soup donated by local restaurants.
“This is the 8th annual Empty Bowls Project and many of these restaurants have been participating since the event began,” said Stephens. “We have all of the local favorites plus a few new restaurants that have moved in since last year will be donating soup.”
There will be live music throughout the day including a saxophone player, a harpist and the Heritage Singers from Howard Payne University. Volunteers throughout the day include HPU students, local businesses and community members, as well as staff, board members and regular volunteers of GSM.
Also this year, Stephens said they are excited to bring back the Celebrity Auction during the evening event. At the auction, you can bid on bowls that have been painted by “local celebrities”. All of the proceeds will be added to the total money raised at the event affecting hunger in a very tangible way while supporting your favorite local leaders.
“Last year’s celebrity auction was so much fun, we didn’t even consider not doing it again,” said Stephens. “We are very excited about our celebrities this year, and it sounds like some real competition is brewing. Everyone wants to make sure their bowl brings in more than anyone else’s.”
This year’s celebrities include: Vance Hill, Brown County Sheriff; Terry Nichols, Brownwood Chief of Police; Walter Banks, Brownwood Fire Department; Stephanie Lykins, Program Director, KPSM; Jenna Marwitz, one-half of The Crockin Girls; Billy Jack Rankin, retired Superintendent of Bangs ISD; Hunter Sims, HPU Athletic Director; Steve Adams, Executive Director Brookesmith Rural Water; Tony Aaron, Early City Manager; Roland Soto, City of Brownwood Sports Coordinator; Stephanie Gade, the OX Radio and City of Early Ambassador; Angelina Case, on-air personality for the Breeze at Wendlee Broadcasting; Jennifer Spraberry, Marketing Director, Central Texas Farm Credit; Derrick Stuckly, Brownwood Bulletin Managing and Sports Editor; and Carol Spratt, community representative.
The live auction will begin at 6 p.m. Payment may be made in cash, check or credit/debit card.
“The community aspect of the Empty Bowls Project has always been what makes this event so special,” said Misty Bowers, Communications Director. “It brings together so many different groups in the community from students and the elderly, families and businesses, community leaders and restaurant owners, volunteers, donors and diners – all for the sole purpose of raising funds and awareness of hunger locally and abroad. It’s a beautiful thing.”
Tickets are $10 and available at the GSM office at 305 Clark Street or may be purchased online at goodsambwd.org. This year, you can purchase an Empty Bowls t-shirt to support the event. T-shirts are $15 and also available at the office or online.
For more information about the event, please call 643-2273 or visit goodsambwd.org.
