Call it Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School’s (RFH) way of feeding its community with awareness of the struggle to end hunger and charity. The sixth annual RFH Empty Bowls fundraiser benefitting Fulfill (formerly FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties) has been deemed a success, having brought in $9,350 for the March 5 event via collections, online donations and a substantial grant.

About Empty Bowls …

The hunger awareness-raising part of the event has to do with making people realize the imminent struggle facing a growing local populace to put food on the table, thus the Empty Bowls concept. With RFH doing its part in the 29-year international grassroots effort dubbed the Empty Bowls Project, art students at RFH craft original artwork in the form of ceramic bowls and invite community members to enjoy a meal in the name of those in need.

For $10, attendees purchase one of the bowls, as well as unlimited soup, bread and dessert donated by the community. The proceeds from the meal and purchased artwork go to Fulfill to help put food on people’s tables.

The night, staffed by RFH Key Club members, with dinner music by student musicians, has become an RFH favorite fundraiser.

This year’s Empty Bowls event was made possible by RFH Art teacher Zachary Wilson, along with Marianne and Joe Velcamp, Janis Kenny, Tricia Zifchak and many student and parent volunteers. Donations of new or gently used books for Bridge of Books Foundationwere also collected at the event.

— Edited press release from RFH

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