Oakton fundraiser focuses on hunger

Professional and student potters from the metropolitan Chicago area have contributed hundreds of unique bowls for the annual Empty Bowls at Oakton fundraiser Saturday, Dec. 3.

Sponsored by the college’s Ceramics Club, Empty Bowls is a nonprofit, global movement that has raised millions of dollars for food banks, soup kitchens, and other meal programs.

For a donation of $12, participants get to select a distinctive handcrafted bowl to keep, and receive a simple meal of soup and bread as a reminder that “someone’s bowl is always empty.”

The event includes a raffle drawing for ceramic art works and a silent auction for select pieces of sculpture and jewelry. All proceeds benefit local food charities.

More than 1,200 bowls were sold at last year’s event. Over the last two years, Empty Bowls at Oakton has raised more than $40,000 for local food pantries.

The event will run from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Oakton’s Des Plaines campus, 1600 E. Golf Road. For more information, contact emptybowls@oakton.edu or call (847) 635-1699.