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Community Comes Together to Fight Hunger

Community Comes Together to Fight Hunger

This year’s Empty Bowls to benefit the Community Food Bank (CFB) brought together local restaurants and businesses who joined forces to help fight hunger. The following raised a total of $9813.61 by donating a portion of their gross sales as part of the Empty Bowls event:

  • Amy’s on the Avenue
  • Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters
  • Katch 22
  • Manatee Maven
  • Tim’s Barber Room
  • Wallace’s Greenhouse Bistro

“Like many non-profit organizations, we had to pivot our event model because of COVID-19,” explains Barbara Sprague, Executive Director of the CFB. “We are very pleased with the results of this year’s Empty Bowls and look forward to hopefully returning to an in-person event in 2022.”

A number of local businesses and individuals lent their financial support, including 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.

“The Community Food Bank is fortunate to have the ongoing support of so many individuals, businesses and sponsors during the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Steve Ponticos, President of the CFB Board of Directors. “We could not have ramped up efforts and met the increased need for food assistance without the generous support of our local community.

  • Twisted Mad Corned Beef Sandwich from Cattle Dog Roasters
    Twisted Mad Corned Beef Sandwich from Cattle Dog Roasters
  • Patrons at Wallace’s at the Greenhouse Enjoying the Empty Bowls Soup Special
    Patrons at Wallace’s at the Greenhouse Enjoying the Empty Bowls Soup Special

Special Thanks to Our Empty Bowls Radio Sponsor Citrus 95.3

Special Thanks to Our Empty Bowls Radio Sponsor Citrus 95.3.

Catch Us on the Radio!

Barbara Sprague interview with Laura Vaughn:

Special Thanks to Our Empty Bowls Radio Sponsor Nature Coast Country

Special Thanks to Our Empty Bowls Radio Sponsor Nature Coast Country

Catch Us on the Radio!

Barbara Sprague interview with Heather Jennings

Special Thanks to Our Empty Bowls Radio Sponsor Fox 96.7

Catch Us on the Radio!

Barbara Sprague interview with Bo Hamilton:

Barbara Sprague interview with Kelly Wright:

Community Food Bank Featured on Bay News 9

Community Food Bank Featured on Bay News 9

Special thank you to Katya Guillaume and Bay News 9 for helping bring awareness of food insecurity throughout our area and getting the word out about our Empty Bowls event April 11-17th!

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Dine-in or Carry Out for a Good Cause

Empty Bowls 4th Annual

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 11th – 17th, 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. 

What:

When:


Where:

Empty Bowls

April 2nd (Tim’s Barber Room)
April 11th – 17th (Local Restaurants)

Visit https://www.feed352.org/ for a full list of participating restaurants and businesses and to view applicable specials.

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 11th – 17th,” 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

Empty Bowls Event