STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Tickets are now on sale for the 14th annual Empty Bowls event, which will be held on Sunday, Feb. 1, at the Church of the Big Wood in Ketchum.

Attendees who register online can choose from two settings so that everyone doesn’t crowd in at the same time. One will start at 11 a.m.; the other, at 12:15 p.m.

Volunteers will set out a fresh set of bowls to choose from and make sure the soup tureens are refilled at 12:15 p.m., said Mary Fauth.

The event, will benefit Blaine County Charitable Fund’s Emergency Assistance programs.

Guests can choose from a variety of large and small handmade bowls and fill their favorite with soups, salads, chili, bread and dessert donated by local chefs and caterers.

Potters from Boulder Mountain Clayworks and members of various groups handcrafted and hand-painted the bowls. And attendees can take theirs home after eating—many members of the community have collected them over the year, earmarking them as their special cereal or ice cream sundae bowl.

Boulder Mountain Clayworks opened the studio for bowl making to a variety of groups, including Sage School students, Girl Scouts, students at Syringa Mountain School and Trinity School and Blaine County Charitable Fund staff.

“I love the partnership with BCCF because the money raised is going to where it’s needed most,” said Lauren Street, the executive director of Boulder Mountain Clayworks.

Restaurants and caterers that have so far volunteered to participate in this year’s event include Bigwood Bread Bakery and Cafe, The Chocolate Moose, CK's Real Food, Hanger Bread, Galena Lodge, Hunger Coalition, Limelight Hotel, Rasberrys Catering & Bistro, Red Star Catering, Sun Valley Resort, Syd’s Soup, La Cabinita and Wylde Beet.

The event is sponsored by Paul Kenny – Matt Bogue Commercial Real Estate, Windemere Real Estate, Blaine County Title, DL Evans, McLaughlin Architects, Wood River Inclusive Catholic Community, Blaine County Democrats and Top Notch Fine Furnishings.

“The collaboration between Boulder Mountain Clayworks, Church of the Big Wood, as well as all the wonderful donors is a special way to support Blaine County Charitable Fund,” said Penny Thayer, a BCCF Board Member and event coordinator. “I love that this event brings the community together in support of each other. This event raises critical funds that go directly back into our community, helping people with emergency expenses like rent, utilities, and other critical needs.”

Admission price for those who purchase tickets in advance online is $25 a bowl (children 10 and under have the option of purchasing a disposable bowl to fill with goodies for $10). The cost at the door is $30 for adults and $10 for children choosing a disposable bowl.

Register at www.empty-bowls.org.

For more information, contact Blaine County Charitable Fund at 208-244-5205 or email questions to info@blainecf.org.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Blaine County Charitable Fund operates three core services for those who live and/or work in Blaine County and are in need of financial assistance: Emergency rent assistance. First/last/deposit assistance. Help covering expenses related to health, ability to work, maintaining a safe living environment and avoiding an eviction judgment.

For more information or to apply for assistance, visit www.blainecf.org, call 208-244-5205 or stop by BCCF’s office located in the Meriwether Building at 111 N. 1st Ave., Suite 2J, Hailey.