Even during pandemic, community rallies together to help those less fortunate

Envision Greater Fond du Lac’s Leadership Alumni hosted a drive-thru version of Empty Bowls on Wednesday, November 18, 2020. Thanks to attendees, donors, and sponsors, the 2020 event raised more than $4,000.

Empty Bowls, established in 1999, is a community-driven effort to fight hunger. The three-fold purpose of this event is to promote an awareness of hunger in our community and world; create an awareness of art education and its impact on civil and social responsibility; and provide an opportunity for the community to come together to raise money for local food pantries and shelters. Proceeds from this event benefit area food pantries.

“Empty Bowls in 2020 looked very different than what we have all grown accustomed to,” Brian Mand, Leadership alumni ‘19 and co-chair of 2020 Empty Bowls, said. “However, even during a pandemic, Empty Bowls was still an event that resonated with our community. The drive-thru option allowed attendees the opportunity to enjoy lunch, provided by six local restaurants and a number of other food providers, in a safe manner, all while still supporting those in need.”

This year, five area food pantries benefited from the proceeds of the Empty Bowls fundraiser, with each receiving a check for $823.72. The following food pantries were assisted: Broken Bread, Fondy Food Pantry, Loaves & Fishes, Salvation Army, and St. Vincent DePaul.

To learn more about Envision Greater Fond du Lac, please visit envisiongreaterfdl.com. To learn more about Leadership Fond du Lac, please visit https://www.envisiongreaterfdl.com/leadership-fond-du-lac/

(L-R) Kim Schmitz (Empty Bowls Committee), Jill Wendt (Loaves & Fishes), Marcia Snyder (Empty Bowls Committee), Brian Mand (Empty Bowls Committee Co-Chair)

 

 

(L-R) Kim Schmitz (Empty Bowls Committee), Major Jon Welch (The Salvation Army), Marcia Snyder (Empty Bowls Committee), Brian Mand (Empty Bowls Committee Co-Chair)

 

 

Not all pantries were available for photos.