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Annual Empty Bowls events at both MCC campuses this month unites community to fight hunger

Both Mesa Community College campus Empty Bowls events are set for Nov. 8 and Nov. 15. For a $10 donation, patrons receive a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted ceramic bowl along with a meal of soup and bread. There will also be a silent auction featuring ceramics by some of the Valley’s most talented artists.
Kelly Mixer

Mesa Community College (MCC) invites the community to its annual Empty Bowls events this month. For a $10 donation, patrons receive a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted ceramic bowl along with a meal of soup and bread. There will also be a silent auction featuring ceramics by some of the Valley’s most talented artists.

Both MCC campus Empty Bowls events are as follows:

  • On Wednesday, Nov. 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the MCC Red Mountain Campus, 7110 E. McKellips Road, in the Saguaro Building. 
  • On Wednesday, Nov. 15 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the main MCC Southern and Dobson Campus, 1833 W. Southern Ave., in the Kirk Student Center, Navajo Room.

“For more than 30 years, MCC’s Art Department has worked with local artists, organizations and businesses to raise more than $140,000 throughout the years,” said Angel Luna, MCC ceramics faculty. “All of the proceeds benefit Paz De Cristo Community Center, which not only provides meals to the community, but so much more to uplift residents.”

MCC alumnus Vicente Ortiz, Paz De Cristo’s food services and programs coordinator, says he learned of Paz De Cristo while attending MCC and believes strongly in its mission and the immense impact it has on the homeless and working poor.

“The proceeds from Empty Bowls will help every function of Paz de Cristo,” said Ortiz. “From our empowerment programs to the nightly meals, we pride ourselves on the ingredients, love and culture we put in our made-from-scratch meals for the 13,000-plus individuals and families we serve annually. Last year, we served almost 90,000 meals. We haven’t missed serving a meal since our inception in 1988, a dinner every night 365 days a year.”

The Mesa Market, MCC’s on-campus food pantry, is also collecting donations of nonperishable food and hygiene items for MCC students in need.

Gratitude is extended to the artists, organizations and businesses who donate their time and talent to help feed the hungry and homeless in the community. This year’s sponsors include Laguna Clay, Mesa Arts Center, MCC Art Department, New Frontiers for Lifelong Learning, Pita Jungle, Red White & Brew, Dobson High School and Desert Ridge High School.