Special to IFN

After more than a decade, the annual Empty Bowls fundraiser benefiting Fifth Street Ministries’ community kitchen enjoyed another successful year with over 100 guests sharing a meal of soup, salad and desserts on Sunday.

During the last fiscal year, Fifth Street’s community kitchen served more than 64,000 meals to those families facing food insecurity. The Empty Bowls luncheon is the primary fundraiser for the community kitchen. The nonprofit was fortunate to have the support of nearly 60 businesses and individuals, each sponsoring a bowl this year.

Soups were lovingly cooked by Kim and Lamar Austin, Amanda Caldwell Photography, JD’s Deli, Iredell Memorial Hospital, and The Truk.

Empty Bowls is held each year at First Presbyterian Church in Statesville, where the congregation and youth group volunteer their time and energy, providing smiles and enthusiasm to this joyful experience. Soup was served by members of the Fifth Street board of directors as well as local celebrities, including Mayor Costi Kutteh, Mayor-elect Doug Hendrix and his wife Carol, former Dallas Cowboy Vinson Smith, Miss High Point Carrie Rader and Miss Teen Statesville Isabella DiFiore.

As in previous years, bowls lovingly crafted by Gin Scott and local artists at CrEate Pottery Studio in Statesville were handed out to guests. Tickets included the option for selecting your choice of artisan bowl to take home, providing a lasting reminder of how sharing a meal with our neighbors and supporting one another can provide hope to our neighbors in need.

The staff and board of directors are very grateful for all that supported their mission through sponsorship, volunteering, and showing up to enjoy a meal to celebrate the continuing mission of Fifth Street Ministries.

LEARN MORE

Visit www.fifthstreetmininstries.com or email philanthropy@fifthstreetministries.com

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