Nearly two dozen local artists have handcrafted 150 bowls for a fundraiser aimed at reducing food insecurity in the Gilbert Community School District.

The inaugural Vacuum Bowls fundraising event, scheduled for 5:30 pm on Saturday, November 2, will support Gilbert Schools’ Backpack Buddies program, which provides meals to children at risk of hunger. The fundraiser will serve soup in a bowl handcrafted and molded by a local artist. Each participant will be able to keep the bowl as a reminder that some bowls remain empty.

Further: When is it time to trick-or-treat in the Ames area?

A collaboration with the Ames Arts Council and Hardie Clay Studio

Saturday’s event is a collaboration between the Ames Community Arts Council, Hardie Clay Studio and Backpack Friends. Jennifer Brockpahler, director of the Ames Community Art Council, said the goal of the fundraiser is to raise awareness for the Backpack Buddies program.

“There’s nothing more important than making sure kids don’t go hungry after school,” Brockpahler said. “This program helps ensure that they can continue to eat well and not always be thinking about it with their family.”

Further: Bridge over I-35 near Huxley opens Friday as Iowa DOT resumes interstate widening project

Two programs join forces to combat hunger

Linda Hardie of Hardie Clay Studio said the Vacuum Bowl fundraiser was first established in 1990 by a potter in Michigan. I wanted to find a way to help students who came to school hungry. It was such a success that within a few years, Empty Bowl fundraisers were held across the country.

Traditionally, artists are invited to create and donate bowls to serve a meal that guests can choose from. They keep the bowl as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the world.

Backpack Buddies programs exist across the country to provide food to children from families facing food insecurity. Students in Gilbert schools who need meals on weekends and holidays can use the program.

Visit your website or call 515-233-2421 to learn more about their services.

Further: Iowa State University Special Vocal Concert Honors Ames Changemakers

A summer thought transformed into a local fundraiser.

The Gilbert project was born in July after a conversation Brockpahler had with Hardie.

Hardie held a “bowl throwing party” at his studio in August, and nearly a hundred bowls were thrown that day. In total, about 150 bowls were thrown, painted and glazed for the Gilbert’s Vacuum Bowls fundraiser.

“Empty Bowls fundraisers are a great way to raise awareness about local food insecurities while also raising money for a local food charity,” Hardie said. “I have been fortunate to contribute to Vacuum Bowls events over the years and it is always rewarding.”

Brockpahler said the collaboration shed light on “creative people creating creative solutions” to food insecurity.

“It has been a great experience working with a variety of people (artists, entrepreneurs, volunteers) to address a need,” Brockpahler said. “We all bring unique points of view and skills, and it has been very rewarding to work together to do our small part to address childhood hunger in our community.”

Aunt Maudes, The Cafe, The Open Flame and others donate to soup dinner

Saturday soup dinner lasts until 8 pm at the Gilbert Franklin Community Hall (105 SE 2^{North Dakota} St., Gilbert).

The soup has been donated by local restaurants such as Aunt Maude’s, The Cafe, Ge-Angelo’s Italian Restaurant, The Open Flame, Provisions Lot F. and The Vault. The bread has been donated by the Lincoln Center Hy-Vee and Wheatsfield in Ames. Desserts will be provided by volunteers from Gilbert Lutheran Church, Backpack Buddies’ home base.

Tickets are $25 when purchased cash in advance. $27 online and if available, $30 at the door. Tickets are available for purchase with cash or check only at Hardie Clay Studio in Ames, The Vault in Gilbert and the Octagon Center for the Arts in Ames.

Celia Brocker is a government, crime, politics and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. You can contact her at [email protected].

This article originally appeared in the Ames Tribune: Inaugural Vacuum Bowls Fundraiser for Gilbert Students Is Saturday