Pictured: Guests at Bowls of Hope look for the perfect bowl among the 1,000+ donated by amateur and professional craftspeople. Photo courtesy of All Faiths Food Bank.

All Faiths Food Bank (AFFB) raised more than $150,000 at its recent annual Bowls of Hope fundraiser: the organization’s largest and most popular – and one of the area’s best-attended events. This family-friendly affair, attended by more than 1,100 people, supports AFFB’s work to help people experiencing hunger in our community. Each year during Bowls of Hope, guests enjoy delicious offerings from 40 of the community’s finest restaurants and caterers as they serve delicious soups, select main courses, desserts and more. Guests select beautiful, handcrafted bowls – all donated by local potters, artists and students – while enjoying a modest meal as a reminder of the empty bowls they help to fill. This year's event was chaired by Ron and Jo Jadin. The festivities began with a “Bubbles & Beignets” sponsor reception before the event opened to all attendees. Local musician Sheri Nadelman entertained guests at the stadium entrance, artists from Sarasota Woodturners and Carla’s Clay demonstrated their respective skills, and the Baltimore Orioles’ team mascot, The Bird, wove its way through the venue, charming the younger attendees and posing for plentiful photos. “We are thrilled that – year after year – community members continue to come out in force to support this event,” said All Faiths Food Bank CEO Sandra Frank. “Times have been particularly tough in recent years, and the funds we raise through efforts such as Bowls of Hope are critical in supporting our work to help our neighbors in need. We are grateful to our venue host, the Baltimore Orioles, our sponsors, volunteer and professional bowl-makers, participating restaurants, our incredible volunteer corps, and all who attended the event.” To learn more about All Faiths Food Bank, visit allfaithsfoodbank.org.

Pictured: Guests at Bowls of Hope look for the perfect bowl among the 1,000+ donated by amateur and professional craftspeople. Photo courtesy of All Faiths Food Bank.