In a pandemic era which drastically changed the social atmosphere of fundraisers such as Thursday’s Empty Bowls, individuals like Reba Aylward and smaller New Bern area businesses continue to step up and provide baseline funding to ensure their success.
http://www.emptybowlsnewbern.org/ has always been possible through a combination of ticket-holders and the sponsors, a group of corporations, small business and individuals who have contributed more than half of the $300,000 raised over the past decade to aid hunger efforts and support the art.
This year, Chairman Patti Peebles said there was an increased effort by individuals and small businesses.
Even the worst U.S. pandemic in a century can’t stop a worthwhile charity in a good-hearted town.
Empty Bowls will again be filled for the 12th year as the major dual-fundraiser to feed the needy and cultivate culture in New Bern.
Amid the fellowship, homemade soups from local restaurants and a free bowl from the labors of regional potters, it has also raised a lot of money – about $300,000 since 2011.
Religious Community Services and Craven Arts Council, the beneficiaries, have shared $110,000 in just the past two years.
Empty Bowls each February have been one of the area’s most popular social fundraisers, averaging more than 700 attendees a year, with a spike to 923 in 2019 and 880 in 2020 at Tabernacle Church.