To the Editor:

Oh the weather outside was frightful, but the soup, was so delightful! The 17th edition of Empty Bowls was a big success.

This year’s event raised almost $21,000 to provide hunger prevention support in Portage County. What a huge boost to the many programs, individuals, and families that receive assistance through Empty Bowls.

There are so many people to thank who made this event possible, too many to list by name. You know who you are.

More than eighty businesses contributed to our raffle. Thousands of cookies were baked by local churches. Forty-five restaurants donated the delicious soup that everyone enjoyed. Our major sponsors provided much needed support and guidance. Our media sponsors helped spread the word to the community. Over 125 people volunteered in some form to make this event happen.

To all of you – THANK YOU! This community is a great place to live, and that is never more evident than at an event like this, where people come to celebrate and help others.

Gregg Hansel and Todd Lewis
Empty Bowls