Oakton Ceramics Club raises more than $26,000 for local food pantries

Empty Bowls at Oakton Community College raised more than $26,000 for local food pantries by selling more than 1,300 ceramic pieces and completing silent auctions for larger, fine-art pieces.

Over the past 14 years, Empty Bowls at Oakton has raised more than $251,000 to fight hunger. Throughout the year, members of the Oakton Ceramics Club create works of ceramic art - bowls, cups and vases - to donate to the Empty Bowls fundraiser in the first week of December. Patrons purchased beautiful handmade pieces, enjoyed a hot bowl of soup and were entertained by the musical duo Patchouli. The event ran out of bowls and the club plans to make even more pieces next year.

"We are thrilled to have found a way to pursue our passion for ceramics while also being able to give something back to those in need in our community," said Sue Capillo, club president.

The money went to the Des Plaines Self Help Closet and Food Pantry, New Trier Township Food Pantry, Niles Township Food Pantry, Northfield Township Food Pantry, Maine Township Food Pantry and Interfaith Action of Evanston.

For information, contact emptybowls@oakton.edu or call (847) 635-1699.