++PLEASE NOTE MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES++
For Immediate Release
First Coast students, artists 'firing up' bowls
for 24th Annual Empty Bowls Luncheon
presented by Bank of America
The Nov. 18 event will help place focus on the issue of hunger and provide a traditional kickoff for the holiday season
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Oct. 16, 2008) - More than 2,000 one-of-a-kind ceramic bowls are being created around the city of Jacksonville in preparation for the 24th Annual Empty Bowls Luncheon benefiting the Second Harvest Food Bank of North Florida. The luncheon is set for Tuesday, Nov. 18, at the Prime Osborn Convention Center, and the 'firing' of the bowls is just one of many preparations already underway.
Children from more than 50 schools on the First Coast are contributing their artistic talents to effort, along with senior citizen groups, local professional artists and other community and professional organizations. They are volunteering their time and talents to the cause of fighting hunger in North Florida.
Nearly 1,000 people attended the luncheon in 2007, and the event raised net proceeds of more than $50,000 for the Food Bank. The event serves as a reminder that many families and children in our community go to bed hungry. Through the years, it has become a traditional kickoff for North Florida's holiday season.
Luncheon attendees are able to choose one of the students' bowls as a keepsake. Professional artist bowls may be purchased to benefit the Food Bank. In addition, some of the bowls have been signed by celebrities such as country stars Keith Urban, Gary Allan and country group Rascal Flats, for a silent auction that will take place prior to the luncheon.
This year's event is scheduled from noon to 1 p.m. at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. Attendees are provided a simple meal of bread, soup and fruit served by local celebrities - symbolic of the meals served by the soup kitchens to which the Second Harvest Food Bank distributes food throughout the year.
Luncheon tickets are $25 per person, while non-profit tables are $300 and corporate tables are $500. Additional event sponsorship packages are available as well. Bank of America is the presenting sponsor of the event. Other 2008 sponsors include WTEV CBS-47, PRI Productions, Chick-fil-A, Winn Dixie Stores, Regions Bank, Acosta Sales and Marketing, MPS Group, Futch Printing, SMG, Panera Bread and Sir Speedy of Baymeadows.
For ticket and sponsorship information, contact Tia R. Ford at 904.739.7074 or visit the Food Bank Web site at www.wenourishhope.org. |
