15th Annual Empty Bowls Celebrates Stellar Turnout

Chatter of excited guests electrified the event hall and the fragrant smell of food filled the air. An ocean of handcrafted bowls were displayed as far as the eye could see. On Friday, Feb. 17, friends, relatives and neighbors came together in support of Tarrant Area Food Bank’s mission by attending the 15th annual Empty Bowls.

Filling Empty Bowls

Everyone at TAFB is honored to have hosted such generous guests from near and far. Guests who share the love of food and art came together in the name of the fight against hunger.

“All the beautiful bowls. So unique and well-crafted and all for a great cause.” – Empty Bowls guest Kelly Talcott Sterling

Every ticket purchased, every bowl bought and every auction item won at Empty Bowls was a contribution to the work of TAFB. With each dollar donated, TAFB can provide food for five meals to hungry children, families and seniors in our 13-county service area. Online ticket sales alone will help provide food for more than 266,000 meals to those in need.

“My favorite thing (about Empty Bowls) is there are so many people willing to donate and help with such a good cause.” – Empty Bowls guest Molly Kuehl

Delightful Art, Delicious Food and More

This year marked the premiere of the PopUp Shop which showcased an array of items beyond bowls. Staple booths like the Celebrity Bowls Auction featured bowls signed by celebrities of the stage, sports and screen including Leon Bridges, Joshua Bell and John Schneider. Gallery Bowls offered high-end bowls for the avid art collector and Art from the Heart displayed unique treasures created by area elementary school students and church groups.

Over 50 local chefs, restaurants and caters served a variety of soups, desserts and drinks at this year’s event. Staff from Albertsons/Tom Thumb, a co-presenting sponsor for Empty Bowls, provided Steak Stompin’ Chili and Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup. TAFB’s Community Kitchen served up bowls of cream of mushroom soup and baked potato soup. From soups to desserts, the fare offered to guests was phenomenal.

A big thank you to all guests, volunteers, artists and restaurateurs for your continued support in our work of providing access to nutritious food to those in need.