Empty Bowls/World Food Day

Additional Information

October 5, 2015
For Immediate Release
Local at Heart and Hunger Action Network of NYS
Contact: Craig Shankles, 845-750-7151

Susan Zimet, new Executive Director with Hunger Action Network of New York State, the primary statewide advocate for food pantries, has teamed up with Craig Shankles [formerly of PDQ] and founder of a new non-profit called Local at Heart, to host a fundraiser on U.N. World Food Day on Friday, October 16th from 6-9pm at beautiful Liberty View Farm in Highland, NY.
October 16th is sanctioned by the U.N. to raise awareness of the hunger problem around the world. The theme, Empty Bowls, is symbolic of the empty bowls facing the hungry no matter where they live.
“Normally, professional artists paint and glaze bowls that guests fill with soup at the event. Given that many of the hungry are children, we invited children from our area to design our bowls,” said Shankles.
The Misty Mountain Girl Scout troop of Gardiner, lead by Linda Engler, along with children from local elementary schools and The Dutch Reformed Church of New Paltz painted over 150 bowls for the cause. “Many of these children sit with hungry classmates on a daily basis and may not even know it. This activity helped them to be aware of hunger and to personally become involved,” said Engler.
Our area is represented by well over 100 food pantries, which always need donations. In New York State, pantries are even now opening at military bases and colleges. Zimet mentions, “Many users of food pantries are working families. After paying rent, heat, and electricity, often there is little money left over for food. “
Admission is only $20. Proceeds of the event will be used to help food pantries fight hunger.
The event will feature soups and breads, an auction, entertainment by Soul Purpose jazz band, and night-time apple picking under the lights. Attendees will also be able to take home a one of a kind ceramic bowl as a reminder of the cause they helped support.
We thank our generous sponsors, Hampton Inn of Kingston and [soon to be New Paltz], Ulster Savings Bank, Ultra Seal Corporation, Rocking Horse Ranch, Fox and Hound Wine & Spirits, New Paltz Karate, P&G’s Restaurant & Bar, Shop Rite and PDQ. Local restaurants including P&G’s, Novellas and On The 9’s Cafe will be preparing soup for the event.
For more information go to www.localatheart.org, like us on Facebook or call 845-372-2613.