The Pointer UW-Stevens Point Student Newspaper
Carving pumpkins, eating bottomless soup and spending the afternoon with members of the community. This is how many people from the Stevens Point area spent last Saturday afternoon when Stevens Point Area Senior High hosted the 10th Anniversary of Empty Bowls. 
“Everyone got to choose a wonderful bowl and take that bowl home as a reminder that someone’s bowl is always empty. It really shows that the community is caring for one another,” said Lauri Rockman, the treasurer of Empty Bowls.
Empty Bowls is a fundraiser aimed to raise money for local hunger prevention efforts. For $11, those who attended could choose and keep a bowl created by local potters, community members and students.
These bowls could then be filled with the soup provided, which was donated by 24 local restaurants for the event.
“The tortilla soup was the best, but there were so many varieties; it was excellent,” said Phil Barker, a junior computer information systems major that attended the event.
“My favorite part of this event is that it really fosters awareness of hunger issues and that it involves the whole community. Families and individuals from all age groups are here,” Rockman said.
The funds raised from the event go to many programs of the Portage County Hunger and Poverty Prevention Partnership, which include the Portage County food pantry, community gardens, and grants to local organizations that directly address hunger issues.
“The event is really family oriented. Kids can have fun and the adults can give back to the community,” Rockman said.
Empty Bowls drew in about 60 volunteers to provide an enjoyable experience for all age groups. The event provided entertainment for kids which included pumpkin decorating and special appearances by SpongeBob, Snow White and Batman.
“It was my first year attending and I will be returning in future years,” Barker said.
Emma St. Aubin
estau255@uwsp.edu
