Ticket sales for Empty Bowls are now open, the event is scheduled for October 17

Tickets are on sale for the Empty Bowls 2024 fundraising dinner/silent auction taking place October 17. Local nonprofits Beverly’s Hearty Slice and Lourdes Backpack Ministry were chosen as co-recipients of the money raised this year.

The event will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the RiverPark Center (101 Daviess Street).

Only 350 tickets are available and organizers say they are already moving quickly. Tickets are $20 each and are available for purchase here. Any non-pre-sold tickets will be made available at the door the evening of the event.

The ticket allows attendees to select a ceramic bowl from hundreds of bowls handcrafted especially for this event by local artisans, community members and University of Brescia students. The Brescia art department provided some of the clay and glaze, as well as a location for many of the bowls to be created.

Each event attendee will receive one of six soups offered by local restaurants, chefs and churches; the soups will be served by “famous waiters”.

As in past years, a silent auction will also be available during the event. Any person or organization wishing to donate an item or basket is encouraged to contact the Empty Bowls committee by email at (email protected). It is a 501(c)3 organization, so all donations to Empty Bowls are tax deductible.

For more information, to donate, or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit the Empty Bowls website here.

Beverly’s Hearty Slice’s primary initiative is to support individuals and families in need through various programs and activities. They provide essential items such as pizza, water, hygiene products, and gift cards for utilities and Walmart. Some of their key initiatives are back-to-school events, Thanksgiving assistance, Christmas events, and support for the homeless.

“They intend to use the funds they receive from Empty Bowls for their bi-weekly events, with a focus on their Thanksgiving food distribution,” according to a statement from Empty Bowls.

Since 2018, the Lourdes Backpack Ministry has provided four meals and snacks every Friday to the neediest 3- and 4-year-old children at Seven Hills Preschool. These meals are meant to be eaten on weekends.

“Organizers report that the children, some of whom are homeless, react with joy as if it were Christmas when they receive the food,” the statement said.