I went to Empty Bowls today [View all]
My daughter bought a ticket for me. Empty Bowls is an international grassroots effort to raise money to fight hunger. Local organizers get donations of soup from individuals and businesses. They get artisan bowls from local artists, crafters and even local schools' art students. For a small donation, you get homemade soup, a piece of homemade bread, a cookie and a drink. The food is served in disposable bowls. I got a large bowl and 5 sample size cups. I tried 4 samples, all very good. (beef barley, New England clam chowder, sweet potato with coconut and curry, and potato) At any time after you're in the serving area, you can go pick out a bowl to take home. The local event was set up in a large church multipurpose room. I went to pick out my bowl, and among all of the pottery pieces, saw a small hand-turned wooden bowl. I took that one, because it was unique among unique. (also, I have a nice collection of antique and vintage pottery at home) There was also a silent auction with a selection of fine art pottery, other hand-crafted items and food.
Everyone was pleasant. I focused on the large number of people willing to donate time and money to help feed the hungry, from their personal resources, and bit down the rest of my thoughts 
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