Barnabas Center’s 11th Annual Empty Bowls Fundraising Luncheon

Fernandina Beach, FL — This year’s 11th annual Barnabas Center Empty Bowls luncheon event will be held on Monday, December 2, 2024, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. The event will raise funds to help individuals and families in our area who are experiencing hunger.

AN EMPTY BOWL IS A SYMBOL OF HUNGER. In support of our neighbors coping with food insecurity, Barnabas Center is hosting our 11th annual Empty Bowls event to raise awareness and funds to combat hunger and crisis in Nassau County. Volunteers will serve a simple meal of soup, bread, and dessert. In addition, each guest will be able to select a beautiful, hand-painted bowl to take home.

The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, will serve a delicious soup luncheon, as it has since the event’s inception. Barnabas Center extends its deepest gratitude to Mr. Greg Cook, General Manager, and all The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island ladies and gentlemen for hosting the luncheon on their beautiful property again this year.

In preparation for the event, hundreds of community members will come together to paint hundreds of bowls while attending paint parties at the new Barnabas Center Studio. Barnabas Center is proud to challenge the community to paint over 1,000 bowls this year in preparation for this event and the online bowl auction. The hand-painted, ceramic bowls serve as a reminder to guests of the many empty bowls that still need filled in our community to help those who struggle with food insecurity.

Beginning October 16th, you can shop ONLINE for locally handcrafted gifts that support a good cause and bring extra joy to both the giver and recipient. Artisan bowls can be found at https://www.biddingowl.com/BarnabasCenter, featuring many spectacular hand-crafted and hand-painted bowls by local artists and residents who donated their time and talent.

Empty Bowls Event Chairpersons Jane and Jim DuCharme said, "We are deeply honored to serve as the Event Chairs for Barnabas Center’s Empty Bowls event. All of this has been made possible by our generous event host, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, our transportation sponsor, Omni Resorts Amelia Island and dozens of other sponsors. Their collaboration and support are what make this event truly special. Together, we can bring the community together for a cause that is close to our hearts."

Event proceeds help Barnabas Center achieve its ongoing mission to provide help and hope to individuals and families in need throughout Nassau County, FL, to improve their stability, health, and well-being. For more information, please visit www.barnabasnassau.org/events/empty-bowls.