20th Annual United Way 2026 Empty Bowls: Paint. Give Hope.
HISTORY:
The first Empty Bowls event was organized by a Michigan art teacher in 1990 to help support a local food drive. He had his students create ceramic bowls to distribute at a simple fundraising dinner, filled with food donated by local restaurants. Each attendee was able to enjoy a delicious meal, then take home the empty bowl as a keepsake. The intention was to remind them of the hunger that exists in the world—long after the event was over. Today, Empty Bowls events are celebrated across the country and beyond.
Our own version of the United Way Empty Bowls may be a bit larger and livelier than that first celebration, but the concept remains the same. Corporate sponsors, organizations, and local “chef’s” all come together in fellowship to continue the work of getting nutritious food to our county. The last, important link in that chain of support is YOU, the ticket holder.
The cost of your ticket provides funds that go right back into our community to our member agencies. While delicious food and lively entertainment are also included with that $30 ticket, the larger benefit is being a part of an annual tradition of community and caring.
To the local businesses, restaurants, organizations, volunteers, and community members who are making the 20th Annual Empty Bowls more memorable than ever, we thank you!
Entry Tickets will go on sale on September 28, 2026!
We want to bring the focus back to WHY people attend AND THE MEANING BEHIND THE EVENT. The bowl has always been a symbol. What matters most is NOT how it begins—it's what it represents: our community coming together to support a cause so that no neighbor don’t go hungry. We purposely plan the even the Thursday before Thanksgiving – a time a lot of people take for granted that there will be plenty to eat. Hopefully, the bowls that go home with our community can sit in the center piece of their table as a remembrance of those less fortunate.