Tuesday’s Empty Bowls fundraiser showed the community’s artistic side. It also showed that the community can cook. And it showed that the community knows how to have a good time.

But most of all, it showed that the community takes care of its most vulnerable.

Organizers set a goal of raising $60,000 to fight hunger this year. Last year's event raised $67,000. 

In the end, the 2011 Empty Bowls event surpassed both those totals, setting a new record of close to $90,000.

The 13^th-annual event at the Hopkins Center for the Arts raised money for ResourceWest and ICA Food Shelf. Attendees made a free will donation; chose their favorite bowl from among 1,000 created by local artists, students and volunteers; enjoyed a bowl of soup and bread and took their bowls home.

There was also music throughout the entire event—including school groups, church groups and local musicians. Attendees could bid on works from local artists at a silent auction, as well.

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2011 Empty Bowls stats

• $89,622 total raised—including $75,090 Challenge to the Community Fund sponsored by SUPERVALU and CHOICES FOR CHILDREN and 220 business, congregation, school, and community leaders.
• 1025 bowls created by our students, staff, and community potters
• 34 Hopkins Public Schools art, music, and elementary teachers
• 195 volunteers of all ages
• 467 entertainers of all ages
• 71 unique artist bowls for the silent auction
• 1425 servings of donated soup and bread
• 51 sponsors of in-kind services

SOURCE: Empty Bowls