The 29th annual Empty Bowls fundraiser was a success once again, raising $45,910 for the Second Harvest Food Bank in Wittenberg’s hometown, March 23.

Back to its in-person format, Empty Bowls is a long-time initiative led by Wittenberg’s Department of Art in conjunction with Second Harvest Food Bank to combat hunger in the local community. Funds raised this year equate to 229,550 meals for those in need. The annual event is virtually a 100 percent profit fundraiser with almost all of the materials, food, and time being donated for the fundraiser.

The 29-year fund raising total for the event now exceeds $625,910, which equates to more than 3,129,550 meals for those in need in Clark, Champaign, and Logan counties. Empty Bowls exemplifies Wittenberg’s service-based mission, which encourages all students to discern their vocations and to understand the meaningful connection between self-fulfillment and service to the world.

Professor of Art Scott Dooley, who has helped to coordinate the annual event since its inception, offered thanks and gratitude.

“Thanks to everyone who came out to support the event. I am continually amazed by Wittenberg and the Springfield community,” he said “As the event has grown, the list of volunteers has truly become too long to list. Please know that there are so many people who help make this event a success each year.”