Annual Empty Bowls Auction is January 31

Enjoying the beauty of art and accomplishing an important social work at the same time is more than enough to draw a crowd to the annual Empty Bowls Action, and the 2023 edition is likely to prove that the success of the effort continues. The event is free and attendees can taste local soups and bid on bowls hand-painted by local artists and community "celebrities."

Empty Bowls is a nationwide program begun in 1990 by an art teacher wanting to teach his students about community involvement. Proceeds of the event will be used to provide food to hungry area families.

The reception and auction, to be held at the First Presbyterian Church Family Life Center, will generate significant funds as buyers bid some pieces to extraordinary heights, to the delight of the audience. Many others are sold for more modest prices, and adorn homes throughout the area.

Organized by the Lake Wales Care Center, the months-long effort to create the scores of colorful bowls, plates, ewers, and other ceramic pieces, each hand-decorated by local residents who volunteer their time to paint the greenware, which is then glazed and fired.

The reception will begin at 5:30, followed by the auction. a silent auction also takes place, featuring a wide array of pieces. The public is encouraged to come and witness, and perhaps place a bid, on one of the items.

Care Center Hunger Relief Programs include:

Food Pantry & Basic Needs – Each week nearly 90 families come to Care Center for assistance. Caseworkers interview with the families in order to assess their current needs. Care Center provides tangible resources such as FOOD, clothing, furniture, household items, and equipment, etc. We are also able to provide financial help with rent/mortgage, utilities, Rx, gas, and lodging.

Holiday Assistance – FOOD BASKETS are provided at special times of the year for local families who work hard throughout the year to make ends meet. Food drives help stock our Food Pantry with enough food to fill these baskets.

Meals On Wheels – provides one well-balanced noon MEAL each weekday to area shut-ins. Meals are prepared daily by the Lake Wales Medical Center and delivered to the recipients' homes by volunteer drivers.

Transitional Housing – Providing a safe environment for families or individual to get "back on their feet." A real hand up and not just a handout. Stabilizing families and keeping them HEALTHY in mind, body and spirit.

For more information, email [email protected] or call 863-676-6678, ext. 1303 or go to the Empty Bowls website.