SANDPOINT — A vibrant display of bowls filled a room, each one unique. Some were large, some small, and each created with care. These eye-catching bowls were made by Sandpoint High School art students for the Bonner Community Food Bank’s annual Empty Bowl fundraiser. Last week, they showcased over 250 pieces to raise money for those in need.
Rachel Aylward, a high school student involved in making the bowls, loves volunteering. “I enjoy being part of the community and finding ways to help,” she shared. Rachel’s love for giving back shines through her work at her church’s soup kitchen, making this project a perfect fit for her passion.
Art has always surrounded Zarah Dillon, whose mother is an art teacher at Sandpoint High. From an early age, Zarah found joy in creating. She mentioned, “I really enjoy the process of making art. Helping with the bowls for the fundraiser was exciting.” Students had the freedom to explore their creativity, designing bowls with varying styles and colors.
Harmony MacDougall, another student, echoed Zarah’s enthusiasm. She enjoyed chatting with teachers about their creations and seeing their happiness. “Seeing how the bowls made them smile was fun,” she said. In total, they donated over 300 bowls, each symbolizing hope and community support.
Creating these bowls is both a creative and labor-intensive process. Students choose colors, shapes, and glaze patterns, waiting eagerly to see how their work will turn out. Rachel explained, “It’s exciting to see if it looks how I imagined!”
The Empty Bowl event isn’t just about bowls; it’s about community spirit. This year, around 280 people attended, raising over $5,000 for the food bank. Ana Kampe, the food bank’s outreach director, praised the students for their inspiring contributions. “The level of support for our mission was heartwarming,” she stated.
This fundraiser serves as a reminder of the ongoing need in the community. Debbie Love, the food bank’s executive director, expressed gratitude for the community’s involvement. She emphasized that while the meals served might be simple, they reflect a more significant issue: food insecurity. “Support from events like this allows families to focus on work, school, and health instead of worrying about their next meal,” she said.
Since its inception in 2015, the Empty Bowl event has grown in both impact and participation. Initially launched during National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, it took a break during the pandemic before returning in 2024 as a spring event. The need has never been greater; the food bank is currently helping about 3,700 individuals every month, a significant jump from previous years.
According to recent statistics, the food bank saw visits rise from 24,000 in 2021 to 33,000 in 2022—a clear sign that hunger remains a pressing issue in Bonner County. In 2017, over 900 families received assistance monthly; that number has now skyrocketed to around 1,020 families.
This growing demand highlights the importance of donation and community support. The food bank urgently needs staple food items and canned goods like tuna and chicken. To find out how to help, visit the food bank’s website at bonnerfoodbank.org.
Volunteers are always welcomed and appreciated. Interested individuals can call the food bank at 208-263-3663 or check their website for opportunities.
In conclusion, the Empty Bowl fundraiser not only provides vital assistance to people in need but also fosters a spirit of unity and creativity in the community. Every bowl crafted by students carries with it a message of hope—reminding all of us that together, we can make a difference.
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Sandpoint High School, Empty Bowl fundraiser, Bonner Community Food Bank, student art bowls, community hunger, local fundraiser, food assistance
