Auburn, Nebraska – The BackPack Committee of Peru State College will host its “Empty Bowls” fundraiser at the 4-H Building on the Nemaha County Fairgrounds on Monday, March 16. Empty Bowls is a fundraiser dedicated to combat food insecurity in Nemaha County. Tickets for the event are $25 and go towards combating food insecurity. The event runs from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M.
Attendees will have the opportunity to sample over 10 soups from area restaurants and vote on their favorite. Peru State College’s Fresh Ideas is providing two soups. Attendees can also bring home an artisan made pottery bowl, crafted by Peru State College graduate Susan Sisco and her Mother, Natalie Fairbanks.
The Auburn Backpack program is currently sending a record 53 backpacks home weekly serving over 100 children and families. The cost is $260.00 per backpack per year, with all of the funding coming from donations from citizens in the community.
Tickets are $25.00 and can be purchased from Empty Bowls Leadership Team Members:
- Peru State College Freshman Becca Wilson at beccawilson102@gmail.com
- Co-Chair Lucas Lunzmann, Auburn High School sophomore, at lucas.lunzmann@gmail.com
- Co-Chair Elaine Hanson, Peru State College First Lady, at ehanson@peru.edu.
Elaine Hanson said, “We hope the event will build awareness that 12.5 % of children in Nemaha County are food insecure, as well as build strong partnerships with restaurants, businesses and community support to address the critical need.”
Wilson said, “The Empty Bowls Fundraiser gives the local businesses and community members a bigger opportunity to learn about the work that is done to ensure no one goes without food. As a freshman I believe it is important to give back to any community I am a part of and I am grateful to be a part of something that makes a big difference.”
Lunzmann said, “This Southeast Nebraskan community is remarkable and never ceases to amaze me when it comes to uniting together behind a cause. Supporting Empty Bowls and the Backpack Program is a great way for anyone to become involved and begin making a difference. This crisis is mainly targeting the youth, which is the key to our future.”
Hanson added, “Working with Lucas, a high school sophomore and Becca, a college freshman, is strong evidence that young people are committed to solving community issues and building a strong vibrant future.”
If you have questions about the fundraiser, contact the Empty Bowls Leadership Team Members are the email addresses above.
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Quentin Victor contributed to this release.