While many of us can always have a bowl full of hearty food every meal, others in the world sit in front of empty ones. This is the concept AMS art teacher and mom Rae Lampe tries to portray in the annual Empty Bowls dinner, to be held at Bumps restaurant on March 9 from 5-7 p.m.

“There’s a need in our valley, as well as around the world,” Lampe said.

The event, which has a recommended $10 donation for an all-you-can-eat dinner, is intended to bring attention to and help the hungry in our valley.

Because many of the 500-600 attendees donate far more than the suggested amount, Empty Bowls generally raises about 6,000 dollars for Lift Up, a local organization that feeds the hungry of our valley.

“It brings the community together,” the art teacher said. Kids dance to the high school band, and everyone eats until their stomachs are full.

Many people volunteer to lend a helping hand at the event. Even restaurants contribute by donating five gallons of soup and other foods like bread and desserts.

To represent the empty bowls and that we can make a difference in the world using art, over 350 kids in the three middle schools of our valley, AMS,  ACD and ACS, create about 600 ceramic bowls. Each person who partakes in the event is given a dishwasher and microwave safe bowl to eat their soup out of, and bring home to keep.

Once the event is finished, everyone leaves with a full stomach. Soon after, there will be many more full stomachs in the valley. Empty Bowls is a highly recommended event to attend. You can make a difference in the world, starting with our valley.