With Montrose/La Crescenta potters, the Community Center of La Cañada-Flintridge, CV High School, local restaurants and shops, the Crescenta Valley United Methodist congregation mounts a big fundraising event.

Crescenta Valley UMC will host its annual Empty Bowls event on Saturday, Nov. 12 to raise money for three organizations that feed hungry people: The Ecumenical Council of Pasadena Area Congregations’ Friends in Deed House; Tujunga United Methodist Church’s Bailey Human Care Center and Christians Concerned for Burma, an organization that offers food and medical care to tribes displaced by the Burmese government.  The event will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the church, located at 2700 Montrose Ave. in Montrose.

The concept is a simple one: for a donation of $15, participants receive a beautiful handmade bowl and delicious soup donated by local restaurants and individuals, all in the midst of a warm, musical atmosphere.  Under the tutelage of potter Jeanne Lavieri, church members and Community Center friends have spent the last five months throwing bowls at the Community Center of La Cañada Flintridge. Ceramics Department Director Miriam Balcazar has made the facilities available for the Empty Bowls cause.

Participating restaurants are each donating multiple gallons of soup: Leo’s All-Star Grill, New Moon Restaurant, DISH of La Cañada, Hill St. Café, Zeke’s Smokehouse, Joselito’s and Frank’s Famous Kitchen & Bakery. Bread will be donated by the Berolina Bakery.

Many local shops have contributed gift certificates or merchandise for silent auction and door prize items. Empty Bowls will be a festive and photogenic community opportunity to give thanks and give back.

  CV United Methodist