Channel One's Empty Bowls fundraiser is this Thursday

Channel One Regional Food Bank’s 14th annual Empty Bowls fundraiser will be held this Thursday at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester.

The event gives attendees the chance to enjoy a simple meal of soup and bread courtesy area restaurants and bakeries. The cost of admission also includes a hand-painted bowl for guests to take home.

“Many people in our community do not have enough to eat. We see it every day at Channel One as 3,500 families a month stream into our food shelf, and as volunteers and faith organizations pack backpacks for the local schools,” said Virginia Merritt, executive director of Channel One. “Empty Bowls is an opportunity for the community to recognize the often silent need and to come together to help their neighbors effected by hunger.”

All proceeds from Empty Bowls will benefit Channel One and support its mission of “helping feed people in need.” The nonprofit is the largest hunger relief organization in southeast Minnesota. Over the last 14 years, the event has been able to provide enough food for more than 2 million meals.

Thursday’s event will take place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Admission for the 2018 event is $10 for pre-sale tickets or $15 at the door. Family tickets are also available for $30 in advance or $35 at the door. Pre-sale tickets are available at Rochester Think Mutual Bank branches, Color Me Mine in Rochester, online, or in person at Channel One headquarters.

Cover photo courtesy Channel One