- November 26, 2024
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Empty bowls are feeding hope for the homeless through a partnership with Halifax Urban Ministries and Arts on Granada.
For the 10th year, HUM will be holding an Empty Bowls fundraiser and silent auction on Jan. 20 to continue the nonprofit’s focus on homeless prevention and feeding those in need. A ticket to the event includes a unique bowl handcrafted by hundreds of Volusia County students, as well as soup from local restaurants to fill the bowl.
To generate excitement for the upcoming fundraiser, HUM held a preview party at Arts on Granada on Friday, Jan. 4. Eight local artists each donated a personalized bowl to fundraise for the nonprofit. Four of the bowls were sold, and the remaining four will be on sale at the gallery before being moved to the main fundraiser on Jan. 20. Over $1,000 was raised during the preview party as guests perused the art, bought bowls and listened to musical group Tie-Tye Road.
“Art on Granada has taken it upon themselves to reach out to the homeless community this way through Halifax Urban Ministries, to take art to another dimension of supporting those in need by providing the money for shelter and food and so forth,” said Bill Turner, HUM board member. “So, this is really a community operation, and I think it really needs to be touted. This is the way Ormond Beach reaches out.”
Local artists Nancy Newlove McElroy and Gail Artin each donated a piece to the bowl collection for the first time this year.
“I love to share my art,” Artin said. “I’m excited to support this cause — anything that helps the community.”
Artin’s bowl was a fused glass dish, while McElroy’s was a colorful, structural piece.
“I’ve known about the empty bowls fundraiser for a while, and it’s been a goal to do it, so I finally accomplished that,” McElroy said. “And I’ll continue in the future as well, so it was a lot of fun.”
Judy Barefield, a HUM board member, said she’s touched that local artists are reaching out to make a difference.
“This is another community that has said, ‘We want to help. We want to be a part of it,’” she said.