Empty Bowls fundraiser returns on Nov. 4

Miller students work on bowls for the 2024 Empty Bowls fundraiser

The Dearborn Public Schools Art Department is hosting its 33rd annual Empty Bowls meal on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at Park Place Banquet Hall, 23400 Park St., Dearborn. 

For a minimum suggested $6 donation, guests who attend this family-friendly dinner may select a one-of-a-kind handmade bowl and enjoy a serving of tasty soup and bread.  Besides bowls, pen cups, paperweights and other handmade clay items may be available.  The items are made by students in kindergarten through high school who attend Dearborn Public Schools and by district art teachers.

Donations will support Gleaners Food Bank and Blessings in a Backpack, local charities that help feed the hungry in our community including supporting Dearborn Public School families.  Guests can take their bowls or other items home as a reminder of all those who go hungry each day.

“This community service learning project is a win-win-win.  Empty Bowls allows art teachers and their students to create bowls and other crafts to raise money. It involves the community, which donates items and attends the event, and it provides more than $3,000 each year to local charities to help those in need. The Art Department is very proud of the continued success of Empty Bowls,” said Sunshine Durant, the district’s Art Resource Teacher, who helps coordinate the event.

A variety of soups will be available, including vegetarian and gluten free options, at this simple meal of soup and bread to fight hunger. A tin can raffle will also be held.

No reservations are required, but those who arrive early will see all of the unique handmade items available to take home.

The annual Empty Bowls event is hosted by the Dearborn Public Schools Art Department and Park Place Banquets & Catering.  Empty Bowls events are held around the world as part of a grassroots movement by artists and craftspeople to care for and feed the hungry in communities. Other sponsors for this year’s event include Blick Art Materials, Starbucks Coffee, Motawi Tileworks, Rovin Ceramics, and Bartz Bakery.

To learn more about the event, view a video of the 2023 Empty Bowls fundraiser.

See the Empty Bowls flier