Beginning in 2014, the Empty Bowls program/fundraiser was made to help combat hunger. The program was founded by Brenda Linchman who is now on the executive board as the executive director. The Empty Bowls Wichita program is specifically for organizations in the Wichita area.
The build a bowl events begin every fall. Different grades and organizations participate in making the bowls and even if someone is not a part of any of the organizations, they can still make bowls that will be in the Wichita Chili Cook-off. This helps make all of the bowls unique.
The Empty Bowls Chili Cook-off is the main fundraiser for empty bowls.
North High pottery teacher Tina Thomas has her pottery students participate in creating the bowls. Mrs. Thomas’s goal during the Empty bowls fundraiser is to “make awesome bowls, let’s help fight hunger in our community,” she said.
The cost is $35 to attend and once in, patrons select one of the bowls. Participants will get to sample different chilis and soups donated by local chefs and partners in the food industry.
Madison Reyes, a Senior at North has participated in the Empty Bowls fundraiser since her freshman year. Reyes makes some of the bowls used in the Chili Cook-off. She enjoys working with clay and glazing the art pieces she makes, as well as carving flowers into her work. Something Reyes keeps in mind when making the bowls is “creativeness is key when making your own art,” she said.
The Empty Bowls Chili Cook-off is taking place on October 19 at Wichita State University Woolsey Hall.