Fundraiser will benefit CHS, RHS programs to help hungry students and families

Artists have been working for months to create the perfect vessel for an ice cream treat, and a limited number of bowls will be setup as not just an opportunity to enjoy something cold on a hot day, but also to help out a good cause.

Rotarians are hosting the first ever Empty Bowl Ice Cream Social this Sunday, August 6 in Seaborn Jones Park in downtown Rockmart. A cost of $25 per bowl gets a handmade ceramic item made by local artists that were fired in kilns at the Rockmart Cultural Arts Center to take home. But only after enjoying some ice cream during the event from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.

Polk County Rotary Club President Amanda Hogan said the club’s goal is to sell out of the limited supply of bowls available (under 100) to raise money for Cedartown High and Rockmart High School’s food pantry programs.

“Our slogan for this year’s event is to ‘Put a Freeze on our children’s hunger!’ and we mean it,” Hogan said. “We’ve seen what others have done with the Empty Bowl fundraisers around the area, and we decided to do something different to make this an event that people can take home some amazing artwork, but also help out a lot of kids who are in need.”

Hogan’s idea through the event being held during the summer versus the typical timeframe for Empty Bowl fundraisers held traditionally in November is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to be reminded that hunger is a year round problem for all ages, and not just during the holiday season.

PSD’s Lacey Tuck was on hand on Tuesday to talk about the need for food donations like those provided by the community and through fundraisers like the Empty Bowl program, especially as the school year is getting started.

Students who are going through hard times are able to take advantage of the food pantry at CHS and RHS (along with the middle schools) can access food donations made from throughout the community to have meals when away from school without restriction. A variety of organizations have been donating to make the program possible over the past six years, and it continues to grow in both need and ability to help.

Alongside the ice cream that will be available, kids will be able to enjoy wholesome summer games in the park. Those include badminton, volleyball and take on hula hooping, but arts opportunities with sidewalk chalk and being able to run around with bubbles are part of the fun as well.

Youth who are accompanying an adult will be able to get ice cream at a discounted after a purchase of a ceramic bowl at full price of $25. Each child’s bowl will be $5.

All money spent at the event will be going toward the food pantry programs at the schools, and all items that have been provided for the Empty Bowl Ice Cream Social have been generously donated from individuals in the community and by the Rotarians organizing the event.