After several warm days in early March, the temperature turned off cooler just in time for folks to be craving a comforting bowl of soup during the annual Empty Bowls fundraiser held March 19.
Empty Bowls is the largest event hosted by Yadkin Christian Ministries and almost always sells out. Previously an in-person soup and salad luncheon, the meal is now a convenient drive-thru pick up for ticket holders which features not only a meal but a handmade pottery bowl as well.
The soup on-the-go fundraiser continues to be supported by the Yadkin community and YCM Director Beth Steelman said that support is invaluable.
Last year Yadkin Christian Ministries served 14,999 individuals, distributing some 472,050 pounds of food.
“The need is great,” Steelman said. The Empty Bowls event is not only an important fundraiser for Yadkin Christian Ministries, but a way to bring awareness to the community of the need.
Steelman said this year’s event “went off beautifully.”
“We had some wonderful volunteers who weathered a very cold day to make this thing possible and my hat’s off to all of them for coming out and sharing and being a part of that,” she said. “The community each year responds in such a tremendous way, their gifts helping us address food insecurity in meaningful ways.”
“Without this community we could not do what we do,” Steelman continued. “I’m just grateful for loving hearts that are willing to share in this ministry. We just see such a need at this time. So many people are dealing with very complicated and difficult life situations because of housing increasing, groceries, employment is sometimes an obstacle as well. We are seeing an increase in clients and increase in need and this community is stepping up to the plate to be sure we can continue this ministry to those in our community that need it so badly.”
Steelman said more than 50 volunteers helped work the event last week and even more were involved in the planning and preparation stages. Volunteers delivered soup and salad in the drive-thru during lunch and dinner. Along with the soup and salad, provided by local restaurants Cracker Barrell and Taste of Italy, ticket-holders also received a handmade pottery bowl from a local potter.
While the event is a significant fundraiser for Yadkin Christian Ministries, Steelman said it is also to bring awareness of the plight of food insecurity that an increasing number of people in Yadkin County are facing for a variety of different reasons.
“I hope that this bowl represents a constant reminder to people of those we serve,” she said.
Yadkin Christian Ministries is always accepting both financial and food donations.
For more information on Yadkin Christian Ministries visit www.y-c-m.org or call 336-677-3080. Yadkin Christian Ministries serves clients weekly at its Yadkinville location at 117 Woodlyn Dr. and East Bend location at 118 East N.C. 67 Hwy Bypass.
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