Surprise art event supports Sun City food bank, other charities

WHAM Art Association held its ninth annual Bowls of Hope sale and holiday celebration Dec. 2, raising money and awareness to help eliminate hunger in the West Valley.

During the event at WHAM Community Art Center, 16560 N. Dysart Road, six local charities were recipients of the fundraiser: St. Mary’s Food Bank, Eve’s Place, Homeless Youth Connect, StreetLight USA, All Faith Community Services and the Valley View Community Food Bank.

“Thank you so very much for your kind donation. We appreciate you,” Jessie Ramirez, director of Valley View Community Food Bank, wrote in a letter. “With the generous support and sponsorship of your organization, we continue in our mission to serve those in need ... with compassion and respect while providing the resources for wholesome nutritious food. Together as a team, we make a huge difference in the lives of food insecure people in our community. Thank you for your caring support and we appreciate you so very much.”

WHAM Art Association is a community-oriented 501(c)(3) organization that is bringing the arts to people of all ages, race, abilities and economic status.

“This is just another reason why we are so grateful to the community who has come out to support Bowls of Hope for the past nine years,” said Connie Whitlock, executive director of WHAM Art Gallery. “As a result of their support and generosity, the event raised over $4,000 and the plans are already in the works for next December’s event.”

The sale of hundreds of one-of-a-kind food safe pottery bowls was the primary source of revenue.

The event also featured live entertainment and the vendors who sold food, jewelry and art, also donated to the cause.