The Meyerson Symphony Center hosted the finest soup line in town this afternoon, at the 10th annual Empty Bowls event . More than 1,300 guests satisfied their appetites and helped raise $143,860 for the North Texas Food Bank's hunger relief efforts.
With 21 food vendors on hand, lunch options included exquisite varieties of soups, desserts, breads and beverages. Guests grabbed a bowl, then filled and refilled to their hearts' (and stomachs') content. A collection jar at each station was used to determine the favorite food item of the day. Tom Thumb won the people's choice award with its "stompin' steakhouse chili Cajun-style jambalaya" and "chocolate chewies".
After the feast, each diner got to browse for a hand-crafted memento. Local artisans, including many local students, donated all varieties of bowls to raise additional funds for NTFB. The ceramic, glass or wooden token of appreciation left guests with a poignant message: for every bowl filled today, many more still remain empty.
Still, the satisfaction of a good meal couples nicely with the fundraiser's sweet success.
For more, we've got a savory slideshow from the event here.