Oakton College Empty Bowls event raises $32,000 for local food pantries

Des Plaines, Ill. (Dec. 6, 2023) – Oakton College’s Ceramics Club raised over $32,000 for local food pantries at the 20th annual Empty Bowls event, Dec. 2, which several hundred community members attended. Since 2004, the event has raised over $428,000 while raising awareness for local and worldwide hunger.

“This year, we had over 1,200 handcrafter soup bowls and other art pieces,” said Sharon Angelini, Oakton College Ceramics Club president. “Most of the pieces were made by our Oakton Ceramics Club, which is made up of students pursuing college degrees and people like me who like to make pottery in their free time. We start in January and work all year creating pieces with the goal of giving back to the community.”

Participants who supported the event were invited to choose and keep their favorite artwork made by local professional and student potters, listen to live music and enjoy a bowl of soup with a piece of bread, similar to meals served at soup kitchens. Larger and unique art pieces were also available at bargain prices, with all proceeds going to local food pantries.

Sponsored by Oakton’s Ceramics Club, Empty Bowls is part of a nonprofit, global movement that has raised awareness for local and worldwide hunger and millions of dollars for food banks, soup kitchens and other meal programs. One hundred percent of Oakton’s event proceeds will support the following organizations: Des Plaines Self-Help Closet and Pantry, Interfaith Action of Evanston, Maine Township Food Pantry, New Trier Township Food Pantry, Niles Township Food Pantry and Northfield Township Food Pantry.

Oakton offers credit and noncredit courses, serving both traditional-aged and adult students. Students often enroll in art classes for fun and personal enrichment. Senior citizens receive a discounted price on tuition. To register for classes, please visit Oakton’s website.