Dine-in or Carry Out for a Good Cause

4th Annual Empty Bowls Event Benefits the Community Food Bank

This year’s Citrus Empty Bowls event to benefit the Community Food Bank brings together local restaurants and businesses who are joining forces to help fight hunger. During the week of April 11^th – 17^th, select restaurants will donate a portion of their sales when dining in or taking out. A local barber shop has even joined in on the fun and is donating a portion of the proceeds from each haircut to the CFB. 

To date, Amy’s on the Ave., Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters, Katch 22, Manatee Maven, Wallace’s Greenhouse Bistro and Tim’s Barber Room have all committed and are offering specials at various times throughout the campaign. The website will be updated as additional businesses commit their participation.

“We had to re-create the Empty Bowls event this year because of COVID-19,” explains Barbara Sprague, Executive Director of the CFB. “We are so grateful to the local businesses who have stepped up to the plate to make this happen.  We could not do this without their support.”

“We are encouraging folks to consider one of the sponsoring restaurants when dining in or ordering takeout during the week of April 11^th – 17^th,” says Mike Orlito, Board Chair of the CFB. “If you go out to lunch or dinner a few times a week, you can make a big impact by patronizing these restaurants.”

According to Sprague, the CFB hopes to raise $10,000 through the Empty Bowls campaign.

“It’s an ambitious goal, especially since we are not having an ‘in-person’ event, but I know how dedicated and passionate our community is about helping their neighbors in need ,” says Sprague.

Empty Bowls event sponsors include Lowman Law Firm, Crystal Automotive, Dr. Bob’s Compassion Clinic, Avant-Garde Consulting and Professional Services, Citrus 95.3/Fox 96.7/Naturecoast Country, Drummond Bank, Kanes/Lollygaggers/The Loft, Kim DeVane and Mike Orlito, JoAnne and Zell Boggus, Armantes, Breakfast Station and Saltwater Cowboy’s Bar & Grill