God’s Storehouse will host its eleventh annual Empty Bowls on Friday, February 28 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 our region are facing hunger.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at God’s Storehouse, Karen’s Hallmark in the Danville Mall, Fox Glove West Main Street, Haymore Garden Center, Awards and Trophy, Main Street Art Collective, or for online tickets Google: QGive Empty Bowls God’s Storehouse. Tickets will be $30 the week of the event. The event is sponsored by The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, First National Bank, and the Danville Register and Bee.

Jonathon Scollo and other artists at the Swanson Studio of the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, students from Chatham Hall Fine and Performing Arts Department, and George Washington High School art teacher, Frances Viden, and students at GW and Galileo have created handcrafted ceramic bowls for the event. Ticket holders will also have an opportunity to participate in a silent and chance auction.

“Empty Bowls has become an event that everyone in our organization looks forward to every year. We love inviting our community to come and see what we do day in and day out,” 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 15,000 people who 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.”