This year’s Empty Bowls events were a huge success. Hundreds of people attended the two events and over $28,000 was raised to benefit The Food Bank of Manatee, a PLUS program of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee.
This kind of success would not be possible without event attendees, donors, and our amazing volunteers. We are especially thankful to: Bowl Sponsors — CoolToday, Neal Communities, Manatee Performing Arts Center, Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Bob & Carol Carter, and Lakewood Ranch Main Street; our Souper Sponsors — ABC7 Sarasota – WWSB, Carl Reynolds Law, and Chef2Home by Metz; our Chowder Sponsor — Mosaic; and our Spoon Sponsors — Bradenton Christian H.S. Art Class, Cablish & Gentile CPAs, CBIZ, Cheney Brothers, Clay Club at SCF, Michelle Detweiler, Florida Westcoast Woodworkers Club, Lakewood Ranch H.S. Ceramic Club, Maintenance Too, Max Packaging, Terrie McNamara, Nothing Bundt Cakes, and Water Boy. And also, a huge thanks to the local restaurants that donated soup — Manatee Technical College, Popi’s Place, Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille, Metro Diner, Central Cafe, Pier 22, GROVE Restaurant , The Granary LWR, Truman’s Tap & Grill, McGrath’s Irish Ale House, O’Bricks Irish Pub & Martini Bar, The Breakfast Company, Mean Dean’s, Chicken Salad Chick, Remy’s on Main, Sofia’s, First Watch, Chef Amalia, Bonefish Grill, and Oak & Stone. Thank you also to Chick-fil-A on Cortez who provided cookies for dessert.