10th Annual “Empty Bowls” Event Benefits The Food Bank Of Manatee

BRADENTON -- The “Empty Bowls” luncheon to benefit The Food Bank of Manatee will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 21, 2010, at Renaissance on 9th, 1816 9th Street West in Bradenton, and on Friday, October 22, 2010, on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch. ArtCenter Manatee, Palmetto Art Center, and local potters contributed over 1,000 unique ceramic bowls for attendees to choose from before their meal of soup and bread, symbolic of the hunger struggle in our community. 100% of the proceeds will go to help local individuals and families in need.

After selecting a bowl to keep, guests will enjoy soups from local restaurants, fresh bread from Publix, a dessert

bar, and the opportunity to win raffle prizes. Participating restaurants include 9th Street Bistro, Anna Maria Oyster Bar, Applebee’s, Atlanta Bread Company, Beachhouse Restaurant, Bogey’s Lakewood Ranch, The Broken Egg, Carmen’s Italian Cafe, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Cody’s Original Roadhouse, Euphemia Haye, GIO Fabulous Pizza, Good Earth Natural Foods, Harry’s Continental Kitchens, Keiser University Culinary Arts Program, Mangrove Grill & Bar, MacAllister’s Restaurant, Panera Bread, Polo Grill and Bar, Riverhouse Reef & Grill, Soma Diner, Stonewood Grill, and Wild Monkey Gourmet. Live music by Chuck Claudill will be provided at the Renaissance on 9th event, and radio station 92.1 will add to the fun at the Lakewood Ranch event. 
 
The “Empty Bowls” concept was developed by a high school teacher in 1991 in Michigan to involve art students in

charitable giving. Now the nationwide independent event supports local food banks on a community level and is

usually held in October to recognize “World Food Day.”

Tickets are $18 in advance (online or by phone) or $20 at the door. For more information please visit www.foodbankofmanatee.org or call 941-749-0100.

The Food Bank of Manatee is the largest hunger relief effort in Manatee County, providing food to over 100 local social service agencies, food pantries, and soup kitchens.  Families in emergency situations can also receive food packages on a temporary basis, or infant care baskets if they are without the resources to care for a new baby. 

For information on how to donate or volunteer to the Food Bank of Manatee go to foodbankofmanatee.org or call 941-747-FOOD.