The Empty Bowls project is an international grassroots movement held annually in many communities to help raise both money and awareness in the fight to end hunger. The first local Empty Bowls Charity Dinner took place in 1998 at Holy Family Catholic Church. It moved to Virginia Wesleyan the following year, thanks to the efforts of VWC alumna Susan Alexander Mizell '80.
In addition to providing the venue, Virginia Wesleyan also arranges for event volunteers and participation from the College community. Professor of Art Phil Guilfoyle and his ceramics students often donate their handmade bowls to the event, and Guilfoyle has been known to perform potter wheel demonstrations. Sodexo, Virginia Wesleyan’s food service provider, generously provides the soups served at the event.
All funds raised benefit local charities such as the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia, Judeo-Christian Outreach Center, Help and Emergency Response Shelter, Oasis Social Ministries, Samaritan House, and Union Mission. In its 18 years, the fundraiser has contributed $225,500 to the hunger-relief efforts in our community.
In keeping with the College’s Methodist heritage, VWC students—and faculty and staff—are encouraged to become engaged citizens who care about their community in active ways. This event speaks to our College's commitment to educate through meaningful service and brings our campus and community together in partnership to share resources and meet real community needs.
Learn more about the Empty Bowls Charity Dinner and get ticket information on our website, and be sure to read the recent Virginian-Pilot
article featuring VWC’s own Director of Community Service Diane
Hotaling, Professor of Art Phil Guilfoyle, and VWC alumnae Susan
Alexander Mizell ’80 and Robyn Larson Bailey ’98.
