Community members came out to support The Salvation Army's second Empty Bowls fundraiser Tuesday - helping fight hunger through the arts.
With more than 200 people in attendance, Lts. Rachel and Christopher White, corps officers with the local Salvation Army, were pleased with the luncheon turnout.
"This was definitely more people than I expected, and I am amazed at the turnout," Rachel White said. "Of course, this is a fundraiser to help raise funds for the community food program, the shelter and our other programs, but this is also a fun event for the community."
Tickets to the event included a bowl filled with a signature soup of choice, samples of any of the seven signature soups, and a decorative bowl painted by a local volunteer artist. Patrons could choose from vegetable beef, Italian wedding, bacon cheeseburger, steak, tomato basil, home-style vegetable or gazpacho soups.
Some longtime supporters, like Cecilia Davis, Jackie Coleman and Becky Schneider, were unfamiliar with the Empty Bowls fundraiser prior to Tuesday's luncheon.
Coleman said the event was a great way to bring people together and increased awareness about the ways she can contribute to The Salvation Army.
Schneider agreed, adding she would like to paint a bowl for next year's event.
In addition to the decorative bowls available to patrons, bowls were also set aside for a silent auction. Those bowls contained enhanced detail and were part of five- or six-piece sets. Works by local artists like Lucia Kincheloe, Sharon Lueckenotte, Susan Luther, Katherine Day, Norma Rose and Janis Burgin were selected for the silent action.
Burgin, vice president of Capital Arts, was pleased with the partnership between The Salvation Army and Capital Arts.
"I love that we're helping through the arts," she said. "What can be a better way to help feed the hungry and support the Salvation Army than by contributing art work and local talent?"
Regional leaders from The Salvation Army also attended.
"It was perfect weather for a bowl of soup, and the community support was great," said Maj. Nancy Holloway, area coordinator for The Salvation Army's Mid-Missouri region. "The event takes some of the strain off the local budget to continue to provide programming to the Jefferson City community - whether that's through our shelter, emergency assistance program or feeding kitchen. It allows us to serve more people."
White said they plan to continue to add to the event in the future to make it even more special. The silent auction was a new feature this year.
White's husband, Lt. Christopher White was equally impressed with the turnout.
"It's been great to see a whole spectrum of people from the community including the young, old, retired and business people coming to support our cause," he said. "That's reflective of the bowls, too. There's something here for everyone."