Thousands attend 20th annual Empty Bowl Project
Thousands of people patiently waited in line outside of the Central Texas Food Bank to be part of the 20th annual Empty Bowl Project. Jerry Malott and his family braved the long line to do their part to help raise money for the cause.
"We're out here to donate for others that don't have as much," Jerry, who was attending the event for the first time, said.
Jerry's daughter, Hanna, was impressed by the number of Austinites wanting to attend.
"I was actually really surprised to see such a long line. I mean people got here an hour early to get here, that just warmed my heart," she said.
The Empty Bowl Project is not only a fundraiser to fight childhood hunger but also a chance for artists and the community to express themselves.
"One of the things that I like so much is that it is a nice fusion between art and charity," Marlo Malott, Jeff's wife, said.
"It's awesome to be able to show my daughters the art that people make, that some of their teachers and classmates have made. And that our donations are going to help families have a better Thanksgiving and Christmas season," Christy Fox, an Empty Bowl Project supporter, said.
Dozens of organizations and artists, as well as hundreds of volunteers collaborated in an effort to raise one million dollars to ensure that thousands of kids will not go hungry this holiday season.
Derrick Chubbs is the president and CEO of the Central Texas Food Bank. He said one in four children in Central Texas are at risk for hunger and hopes the kindness displayed on this day will continue throughout the year.
"I get goosebumps when I see that because I know that it will result in our children getting a hot meal." Chubbs said, "Even though we are a very prosperous city, we know that there are those that are in need. It shows what large hearts, which huge hearts Austinites have and I'd like to see that continue beyond the holiday season into something that is a 12-month exercise."
FOX 7 was a sponsor of the event. The crew enjoyed supporting the cause and visiting with those who came to try out new soups. For more information on how you can help the Empty Bowl Project or the Central Texas Food Bank you can go to their websites listed below.