STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
Registrations are now being taken for Empty Bowls 2025 for those who would like to purchase their bowl and food ahead of time.
The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, at the Church of the Big Wood in Ketchum.
Proceeds from the 13th annual Empty Bowls will go to the Blaine County Charitable Fund to provide financial assistance to those experiencing temporary crises due to such things as medical emergencies.
Boulder Mountain Clayworks will provide an array of handmade and kiln-fired bowls that the organization’s potters and community members have made. And local restaurants and Atkinson’s Market will donate soups, salads, bread and desserts to fill those bowls.
Cost of meal and handmade bowl is $25, available ahead of time at https://blainecf.networkforgood.com/events/80321-empty-bowls-2025. An additional entry without a ceramic bowl can be purchased for $10.
Bowls can be purchased for $30 and $10 at the door, as well.
Empty Bowls was originally started as a fundraiser for The Hunger Coalition. Proceeds now go to the Blaine County Charitable Fund, which was founded to help Wood River Valley residents during the COVID pandemic.
The organization raised more than $200,000, this past year, securing a $60,500 matching grant. It also received $3,100 in Avenues for Hope prize money. All that means that at least 172 families will be able to maintain stability in 2025, according to Executive Director Mary Fauth.
“Fridays are special at BCCF—they’re days of hope and celebration,” she added. “This is when the clients we’ve worked tirelessly to support all week hear the life-changing news: their requests for assistance have been approved. They come into our office to pick up their checks, their relief and gratitude almost tangible.”
Last year 17 restaurants and caterers supplied food for 300 attendees, raising more than $!3,000.
Silver Sponsors for this year’s Empty Bowls are Blaine County Title, McLaughlin Architects and Windermere Real Estate. Bronze sponsors are the Blaine County Democrats, Topnotch Fine Furnishings and Wood River Inclusive Catholic Community.