Empty Bowl Luncheon benefits Franklin County
Many individuals are helped and many causes are taken up by The Salvation Army. One of those causes is hunger. According to Gail Demetrio, publicity chair for The Salvation Army of the Shoals Women’s Auxiliary, there are more people in Franklin, Colbert and Lauderdale counties that struggle to feed themselves or their families than people might realize. That is why the auxiliary hosts its Empty Bowl Luncheon every year – to help those in the community who are suffering from hunger.
“It is our goal to raise as much money as possible to feed hungry people in the area and to help bring about an attitude that will not allow hunger to exist,” Demetrio said.
March 14 is the 15th annual Empty Bowl Luncheon. Set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Marriott Conference Center in Florence. Tickets are $15 in advance and at the door and can be purchased from an auxiliary member; at the Salvation Army in Florence; and at Trinity Ceramic Supply in Florence.
Around 60 restaurants are donating pots of soup to be served at the luncheon, and there will also be a bake sale. Each person in attendance will get to choose four cups of soup that will be paired with water and homemade bread. There will also be a silent auction.
“Every bit of this money goes straight to the cause of providing food for the hungry in these three counties,” Winters said.
Vans will be available to transport attendees from their vehicles to the door and back to their vehicles after the event is over.
For those who cannot attend the luncheon but wish to order takeout from the event, they can do so by contacting Chairman Mercy Winters at 256-810-6175. They will be able to choose from a list of the soups offered, and it will be ready for them to pick up that day as long as they have let Winters know by 4 p.m. the day before the luncheon.
“Last year we served hundreds of takeout orders,” Demetrio said.
Also at the event, local volunteers will be modeling clothing from the Salvation Army thrift store at the luncheon.
“We give these models a tour of the shelter, and when they see how nice and upbeat it is, they develop a new perspective and get excited to participate,” Winters said.
Winters said this event not only raises money but also impacts the attitude of the community.
“When people find out what we do and how much need there is, they’re shocked and want to help. They feel good about helping,” Winters said.
She said she loves working with the community and showing what the Salvation Army offers, from sending underprivileged children to a Christian camp to sending items like school supplies to community members in need.
