Tickets for the Empty Bowls fundraiser are now available at a variety of Jefferson City sites.
Area residents have been awaiting the release of the tickets since spring, when they began decorating bowls for the event.
The Salvation Army of Jefferson City's annual soup tasting and luncheon is expected to raise about $7,000 for the nonprofit organization this year.
Geared toward helping feed the hungry, The Salvation Army's annual Red Kettle Campaign is its largest fundraiser, but that happens in the midst of winter when feeding the hungry is on people's minds, Salvation Army Capt. Sarah Windell said.
"The need doesn't have a season," Windell said. "In August, there are still hungry people out there."
The fundraiser is 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Windstone Entertainment Event Center, 2425 Industrial Drive in Jefferson City.
The event will include a silent auction of local artist-designed serving bowls and soups from Skillett's Catering, Domenico's Italian Restaurant, Ecco Lounge, Madison's Cafe, O'Donoghue's Steaks and Seafood, Oscar's Classic Diner, Pita Pit and Prison Brews.
Schnucks bakery is to provide breads. Desserts will come from Chez Monet, Arris' Bistro, Walmart, Hy-Vee, Great American Cookies, Schulte's Fresh Foods, and Smallcakes Cupcakes and Creamery.
Tickets are $20 and may be found at The Salvation Army Center of Hope, Schnucks, Hy-Vee, Schulte's and Carrie's Hallmark Shop.
Each ticket includes a unique, hand-glazed bowl created by a local artist or volunteer. This spring, The Salvation Army ordered 425 unfinished bowls for the event. Volunteers and artists painted the bowls, which were then fired and stored.
Two years ago, volunteers tried their hand at "bubble bowls," in which they blew air through a straw into the paint and touched the bowls with the newly created bubbles. They were very popular, and fans of the technique missed them last year - so they are back.
A new technique the bowl decorators embraced this year was to use a doily as a stencil.
Proceeds benefit The Salvation Army.
"It's great that the community has come out to help paint the bowls," Windell said. "You'll get to pick out your own bowl. They're all unique. Every time you see the bowl, it will be a reminder that there are still hungry people in the community."