A simple meal of soup, bread and water was served in Brownwood to portray the theme “live simply, so others can simply live.” This meal was served during the Good Samaritan Ministries “Empty Bowls” event held on Friday, November 6.

The day was planned to raise money and awareness for hunger within the community. Three hundred eighty-seven people were in attendance with $5,826 being raised for the cause.

“I am truly thrilled and overwhelmed by people’s generosity,” said Dr. Gary Gramling, Good Samaritan board member and coordinator of the event. “We had no idea what to expect with this being our first year, but we had a tremendous turnout. I hope to see this continue as a tradition in Brownwood.”

Hunger and poverty are both issues that significantly affect the Brownwood community. Within Brown County, 20.3% of residents live at or below poverty and 29.2% of Brown County children live at or below poverty according to “Report: Poverty in Texas” conducted by the Texas Association of Community Action Agencies, Inc. in April 2008.

Ninety percent of the proceeds from the day will be given directly to people struggling with hunger in the area. The remaining ten percent will be donated to Heifer International, to provide food for hungry around the world.

There was a significant outpouring of support from the community. Restaurant owners donated soup, local artists made bowls, children decorated placemats, musicians played live music throughout the day, and many others served as volunteers.

According to Angelia Bostick, director of Good Samaritan Ministries, “we are really appreciative of the support the community has shown. Now that people know about Empty Bowls, we hope to see even more participation next year.”

Katy Blackshear, director of Baptist Student Ministry at Howard Payne University, coordinated the handmade bowls for the event. Thanks to local artists and students from HPU, Coleman and Brownwood schools, more than 375 bowls were available. As each person entered, they picked out a handmade bowl that they were able to take home.

“My hope is that all who took a bowl home with them from the event would place it somewhere significant as a reminder that there are people in our community and beyond who face hunger each and every day,” said Blackshear. “Surely we can do more to bring an end to this sad reality.”

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Photo information: photos by Kalie Lowrie

Community members who attended the Empty Bowls event were able to choose between 375 bowls handmade by local artists and students from HPU and Brownwood and Coleman schools.

Howard Payne University students Zach Speegle and Rachael Amy enjoy soup at the Good Samaritan event Empty Bowls on November 6.