Annual Empty Bowls fundraiser scheduled

by Mark McGowan

NIU students have a way to feed you and the homeless at the same time.

The fourth annual "Empty Bowls" project is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 21, in the Chandelier Room of Adams Hall. Reservations are required for the lunch-time seating; the dinner-time serving is first-come, first-served.

A donation of $10 buys all-you-can-eat homemade soup and bread, a beverage and, while supplies last, a ceramic bowl made by an NIU art student. A donation of $5 buys food and drink only. Additional donations are welcome.

All proceeds benefit the Hope Haven homeless shelter in DeKalb.

"It gives us a chance to do something great for the community," said Briana Olson, a senior nutrition and dietetics students and president of the Student Dietetic Association. "We can help out the homeless with some donations for nutritious meals, and that's what we're interested in: nutritious meals."

The menu includes chicken noodle soup, cream of potato soup and vegetable gumbo. Guests also can munch on rolls, banana bread and a variety of breakfast breads donated by the NIU bakery. Beverages include coffee, tea and lemonade.

Students hope to sell 275 bowls, Olson said.

Members of the Student Dietetic Association from the School of Family, Consumer and Nutrition Sciences (who do the cooking) and the ceramics class from the School of Art organized the event, an international project that originated in Michigan.

For reservations or more information, call 753-1895.

Parking will be available for both seatings for $2 in the visitor's lot just southwest of the Holmes Student Center. Drivers must tell the attendant they are attending Empty Bowls to received the reduced rate.