Empty Bowls Become Vessels of Hope at Wilton Food Pantry Benefit

More than $13,500 was raised at Saratoga County’s first official Empty Bowls event, held to benefit the Wilton Food Pantry (WFP). Nearly 250 people attended the event, held Sunday, April 15, at the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge 161.  Those who attended  had the opportunity to enjoy  music performed by John and Orion Kribs with special Guest Doug Moody, bid on 29 silent auction items, and chose a unique ceramic bowl, created and donated by Skidmore College’s ceramics students. 

Unique Collaboration

Wilton Food Pantry Empty Bowls

Attendees used their bowls to enjoy vegetable soup, chili, and rolls prepared by Skidmore’s Dining Services Chef Ben Niese and staff. Bowls were cleaned and re-distributed to guests courtesy of Boy Scout Troop 24. The bowls went home with guests as a memento of the event and the importance of making food available to those in need.

“Participating in Empty Bowls is a unique opportunity for my students to start the semester with a concrete goal and deadline, said Skidmore Professor Leslie Ferst.  Their participation helps them understand how their actions and skills can extend beyond academic requirements to benefit the greater community. I welcome this opportunity to involve the students in such a beneficial event,” said Ferst.

90 Pounds Per Bowl

“Each bowl paid for by a guest allows the WFP to purchase more than 90 pounds of food through Regional Food Bank says Event Coordinator and WFP Board Member Dennis Towers.

“When participants use their Empty Bowls, they will be reminded that we have neighbors with empty bowls every day,”  The bowls will serve as a reminder that you helped to support residents in need of food sustenance. Please spread the word to help grow this annual event by inviting a family member or friend to attend next year’s Second Annual Empty Bowls fundraiser.”

Succeeding Together

“The community really pulled together. This success is a tribute to the residents and businesses in our region,” said WFP President Jared Dinsmore. “The sponsors, media partners, community organizations, businesses, volunteers and attendees all united to help the WFP achieve its goal, increase awareness of food insecurity, and strengthen our community. We are extremely grateful.”

The WFP wishes to acknowledge the generosity of the following sponsors.

Souper Hero Sponsors:

  • Saratoga National Bank & Trust Company
  • Hannaford
  • Saratoga Veterinary Hospital, P.C.

Bountiful Bowls Sponsors:

  • D.A. Collins Companies
  • Lant’s Auto in Memory of Kay Lant.

Hungry Helper Sponsors:

  • Saratoga Casino and Raceway 
  • Espey Manufacturing and Electronics Corp
  • Saratoga Industries
  • Employees of Hudson River Community Credit Union’s Jeans for Charity Program
  • The Post-Star.

Media and In-Kind sponsors:

  • McKinley Griffen Design and Advertising
  • Saratoga Today
  • LAMAR Outdoor Advertising 
  • FROGGY 107.1 
  • OneShotPhotographyStudio.com
  • Adirondack Beverage 
  • Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge 161