God’s Storehouse will host its ninth annual Empty Bowls event on Friday, February 24 from 11 am to 2 pm at 750 Memorial Drive in Danville. The Empty Bowls fundraiser is a collaborative effort between God’s Storehouse, local artists, and local restaurants. A simple meal of soup and bread or crackers will be served as a reminder that too many people throughout the region are facing hunger.

Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased at God’s Storehouse, Karen’s Hallmark in the Danville Mall, or online through Eventbrite.com. Tickets will be $25 the week of the event. The event is
sponsored by the Danville Register and Bee The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, First National Bank and Optima Health.

Each ticket holder will be able to choose a locally made handcrafted ceramic bowl to take home with them from the event. The bowls have been made by Jonathon Scollo along with other artists from the Swanson Studio at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History; George Washington High School art teacher, Frances Viden; and students at George Washington High School and Galileo Magnet School. Ticket holders will also have an opportunity to participate in a silent and chance auction during the event.

“We are so excited to welcome our community back into the building as we did before the pandemic because the Empty Bowls event shows exactly who we are and what we do in this community,” said Karen Harris, executive director of God’s Storehouse. “Every week we provide food to our neighbors that need it and by inviting people into our space that may not usually visit our facility, we are asking them to remember that our mission cannot be filled without their support. Our hope is that the empty bowls people take home remind them to share their bounty throughout the year.”

To understand the need, it’s important to understand the situation God’s Storehouse faces
every day. In Danville, 1 out of every 4.7 residents lives in poverty. In Danville and Pittsylvania County combined, there are more than 13,000 people that suffer from food insecurity. Food insecurity is defined as a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life.

“Without donations from community members, local stores, faith communities, and businesses we would not be able to keep our pantry ready for every need,” Harris said. “This community is such a blessing to us and to our customers, volunteers, and staff. With our outstanding volunteers and continued support through fundraisers like this one, we will continue to serve as long as we are needed.”