"Empty Bowls" is River City Food Bank’s signature event that raises funds, friends and awareness for their ongoing fight against hunger in Sacramento County.  In 2013 the event was attended by over 1,300 people and raised more than $100,000, 96% of which directly funds their food programs. Guests attending the event are treated to wine, appetizers, gourmet soup, bread, desserts and beverages from some of Sacramento’s finest restaurants. All attendees select one of over 1,500 beautiful handmade bowls created by budding and professional artists, as well as local celebrities, to take home with them as a reminder of the many in our community who are hungry and face an empty bowl each day.  For information go to the website at www.rivercityfoodbank.org

For many years Nor-Cal Woodturners has helped with this project by donating wooden bowls turned by our members.  Some of the bowls are quickly chosen by the event attendees, and a few art pieces are sold at the event to raise funds for the Food Bank.  Our members made and donated approximately 2,500 bowls from 2013 through 2024!  Some examples are below: