America’s Christian Credit Union (ACCU) partnered with First Christian Church (FCC) of Glendora to sponsor the 15thannual Empty Bowls Soup Supper Benefit on Friday, March 9th. A grand total of 224 bowls were purchased and $6,300.00 were generously donated to aid those in the local community in need of hunger relief.
Since 2003, this fundraising event has provided over 100,000 meals and raised over $70,000 for local food pantries and food vouchers. Support for the event primarily came through the sale of handmade ceramic bowls for participants to use for their soup dinner. Beyond tableware, the bowls served as a symbol of the transformative impact each purchase provided for someone in need.
Bowls donated by the Citrus College Ceramics Department and several independent potters, along with food donated by several local restaurants were a huge help. Reverend Karen Davis of FCC commented, “It’s great to see so many people come together and volunteer for this event. It all started from the idea brought to me by a now-retired Glendora PD officer.”
Amplified by its 60th anniversary outreach, ACCU dialed up by pledging donations for staff, community, and social media participation. ACCU President/CEO Mendell L. Thompson commented, “We believe in playing a role to build stronger communities and stronger ministries, and Empty Bowls is exactly that. By challenging staff to purchase bowls, volunteer and serve food at the event, we are able to live out our corporate priorities. We are humbled by the chance to partner in serving this local community and ministry.”