Empty Bowl Events at MCC to Raise Money for Charity

MESA, Ariz. – Thousands of handcrafted bowls will be available for $10 at the Empty Bowl charity events hosted by Mesa Community College, which includes the purchase of a handcrafted bowl and a simple meal of bread and soup in remembrance of World Hunger Day.  Proceeds go to Paz de Cristo, a non-profit interfaith outreach organization. 

This year art enthusiasts have two Empty Bowls events to choose from; MCC’s Southern and Dobson campus and MCC’s Red Mountain campus in northeast Mesa.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Paz, a very special community ministry that provides individuals and families in the East Valley with anti-hunger and empowerment support services, including career counseling and job search support.

A special recognition from event organizers this year goes to the continued contributions of artwork by a group of certified Duncan Ceramics teachers in Mesa. Linda Speranza, MCC’s ceramics instructor, said this group of 27 teachers has donated over $10,000 worth of art to the event in the last six years.  Much of their beautifully designed artwork is placed for silent auction and brings in a significant amount of money each year.

“This group is so dedicated,” Speranza said.  “They’ve gone way over the top.  For years, I had no idea where the art donations came from.  They’re very nice and unassuming.”

Shoppers can also take part in a silent auction to bid on one-of-a-kind art pieces crafted by local artists and various gift items from local merchants.

Mark Your Calendars for Locations and Dates:

• MCC’s Southern and Dobson Campus: October 29 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Navajo Room at 1833 W. Southern Ave., Mesa.
• MCC’s Red Mountain Campus: Nov. 6 from 10:30 to 2 p.m. in the Community Room. MCC at Red Mountain is located at 7110 E. McKellips Road, Mesa.

For more information on either event, call Linda Speranza at 480-461-7534.