RHIANNON BERG
News Writer
bergau@plu.edu
More than 200 Pacific Lutheran University students and community members lined up Nov. 18 to support local food banks in Tacoma.
Donors received a handmade bowl and soup during the Empty Bowls event. Each ticket cost $10 and all of the proceeds will go to Trinity Lutheran Church food banks.
“I think it’s a really great way for Lutes to give back to the community,” said senior Gailon Wixon. “It’s really neat to see the creative expression of the students on campus in the bowls.”
This year students and faculty from the school of arts and communication made 50 more bowls than last year because of the popularity of the event. PLU Dining and Culinary Services made the soup with ingredients donated by PLU’s Community Garden.
“It’s fun for the students who made the bowls to meet the people who are using them,” said junior Liz Perkins, who helped organize and advertise for the event. “All the proceeds go to an amazing cause.”
Attendees of the event included various PLU staff and faculty from departments throughout campus, alumni and President Thomas Krise’s wife, Patty Krise.
“I’m here to support a good cause,” Krise said.
Perkins said the event raised more than $1,600.
“I thought it was really good cause to support,” said senior Emily Steelquist. “I wanted some soup and a really cute bowl.”
Trinity Lutheran’s Feeding Ministries newsletter said support from events like empty bowls help to meet the physical needs of the community.
“I’m concerned about food access for friends in our neighborhood here,” said the director of the Center for Community Service and Engagement at PLU, Zoel Zystra. “It’s a win win situation for us to enjoy a meal together, but also to hopefully have some food available for our friends across the street.”
The event was part of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.
“I’m here to support the people across the street in Parkland,” said first- year Kelly Bower. “I think it’s really cool to get something out of it as well, but also mostly to help the people.”
