Empty Bowls event is April 26 at HHS

Hastings High School ceramic students are again doing their part to help raise awareness for those in the world who are hungry, and then to help feed them.

The students of Bert Casperson are holding their 10th annual Empty Bowls event from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 26, in the Hastings High School commons area, 200 General Sieben Dr.

A silent auction will be held and a light meal will be served from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the commons area, followed by a musical performance and presentation about hunger in the Hastings community and the world.

“This is a project done nationwide that originated in Michigan around 30 years ago,” Casperson said. “I first learned about Empty Bowls while student teaching at Madison West High School and when I started teaching ceramics here at Hastings I knew I wanted to bring it here. The first year we held, it about 20 people came and it’s grown to the almost 300 that came last year.”

Tatum Mahlen is working with several choral groups for the musical performance and students have been making bowls.

“The basic idea for empty bowls is simple,” said Casperson. “Guests choose a handmade bowl that evening to take home as a reminder that there are always empty bowls in the world.”

The suggested donation for the bowl and the meal is $10. The proceeds will be split between Hastings Family Service and Heifer International.

Casperson praised the students’ efforts.

“It is exciting to see so many young people passionate about working together to end world hunger,” said Casperson. “We have worked in conjunction with Hastings Family Service to get information to students about the real picture of who is affected by hunger. I try to emphasize that it is often working people, families, children, people not unlike themselves that have fallen on difficult circumstances.”

Students have been impacted and influence by this project, Casperson said.

“I definitely see a raised awareness and sensitivity to the problem as students work on this project,” he said. “It is particularly rewarding to have alumni return to make bowls or attend the event, meaning that these lessons have made a lasting impression on them.”

The goal for this year’s event is $3,000.

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