‘The need is real’; soup kitchen fundraiser is Oct. 13

“Seeing the smile on kids’ faces when they have a full tummy; Hearing words like ‘Thank you, ‘God bless you for the food,’ ‘I can face another day because of your help,’ ‘I appreciate all your work,’ these are words I hear while at the serving line” at El Caldito Soup Kitchen, said volunteer Abel Chavarria. El Caldito is the recipient of the money raised by Empty Bowls.

“This is the season of giving thanks,” said volunteer Terri L. Wenner. “I am Thankful that most of us have only been hungry by choice.”

“The need is real, folks,” said potter and volunteer Jan Archey, who has been a part of Empty Bowls since the fundraiser began in the 1990s.

Empty Bowls will be held 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, at St Paul’s United Methodist Church, 225 W. Griggs Ave. Tickets are $25 and are available in advance or at the door.

Empty Bowls is sponsored by the Potters’ Guild of Las Cruces (PGLC), whose members will make more than 1,000 bowls for this year’s event.

An online auction is part of Empty Bowls. This year’s auction is Oct. 10-17 at www.mvestatesales.com.

A new event at Empty Bowls this year is Wine and Dine. For a $50 donation, you choose your wine bag, which will include a bottle from one of New Mexico’s many wineries and a gift certificate to a local dining establishment. PGLC members have made wine cups and goblets available for purchase.

Two handmade quilts from Las Colcheras Quilters Guild will be displayed at displayed at Empty Bowls and available through auction or chance. BEE It A.R.T., has provided a wall-art quilt that will be available through a special auction.

Also new this year at Empty Bowls will be separate event entry lines, depending on whether you have purchased your ticket in advance or are buying it at the gate.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at multiple locations throughout Las Cruces and Mesilla: Be Sew Creative, New Mexico Spanish Kitchen, Color Your World, Save Mart, The Potteries Mesilla, Spirit Winds, New Digs Clothing Exchange, El Caldito Soup Kitchen, Agave Artists Gallery and, from PGLC members.

Visit www.facebook.com/emptybowlslc, www.pottersguildlc.org and www.facebook.com/elcalditosoupkitchen.