Giving back to those in need may not be about having a good time, but it sure doesn’t hurt.
North Helpline is joining the long list of food banks nationwide organizing an Empty Bowls event, which aims to bring the community together with local artists, restaurants and musicians with a mission to feed the hungry.
The fundraiser is from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at Northgate Community Center, 10510 Fifth Ave. N.E.
Community members are invited to pick out a one-of-a-kind, locally handcrafted bowl in exchange for a minimum donation of $12 per person or $36 for a family of four. For any donation that exceeds the minimum, you’ll get a tax-deductible receipt.
“We have some really gorgeous pieces,” said North Helpline Executive Director Amy Besunder. “All the bowls have come from professional potters for the most part.”
But your bowl won’t remain empty. Soup is being donated from La Casa del Mojito, Hudson New American Public House, the Wedgwood Alehouse, Lake Forest Bar and Grill and Blue C Sushi, and will be served with salad, bread and dessert.
Meanwhile, you can listen to live music from the Jillian Graham Band, Todd Christoffel, Eric Madis and Peter Martin while you shop the wares local artisans will be selling, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting North Helpline.
If you can’t make it to Empty Bowls on Sunday, there are other ways you can help, such as by hosting a food drive or volunteering, which North Helpline needs seven days a week.
“Our need is up significantly from last year,” Besunder said, adding that the food bank now is helping about 750 North Seattle families a week, up from the 700 families a week we reported last month.
“We’re seeing a lot of new people who have never had to use the food bank before.”
