For a ticket price of $10, guests received hot, homemade chili, a grilled cheese sandwich and a drink, along with a handmade pottery bowl to take home. (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)
CULLMAN, Ala. – First United Methodist Church Cullman was overflowing Monday night at the 16th annual Empty Bowls of Cullman County Chili Dinner event. More than 1,000 tickets were sold prior to Monday, with even more sold at the door. The event is an annual favorite, benefiting the Cullman Caring for Kids food bank. Many guests chose the take-out option, but lots dined in, enjoying live music and the company of neighbors. Everyone got to take home a hand-crafted bowl.
Tanya Shearer started the Empty Bowls event in Cullman in 2003. She explained, “A man in Michigan started this and it’s traveled around the world. I found out about it in 2003 from people in Huntsville. We needed a service learning project and this was perfect for us. The food bank needed money and it involved the students, the community, the businesses and churches- everything. It’s a community project and that’s what makes it so beautiful. It’s like seeing God at work in our community. The body of Christ all working together.”
The lines for chili grew as dinner time approached and the to-go pick-up line of cars was equally as busy. Volunteers worked hard and efficiently to take care of both dine-in and carry-out stations. Bobby Nolen was overseeing the kitchen operations. He estimated that 80 gallons of chili had been prepared for the Empty Bowls event.
Said Nolen, “We made the chili at St. Bernard. They’ve got some 60-gallon steam pots and they are nice enough to let us use their facilities to make it. We’ve been using their facility since we started this event and this is our 16th year.”
The church has two separate kitchens, which helped the event run smoothly. More than 30 volunteers took part in just making sure to-go orders were filled and that the dine-in guests were served quickly.
Nolen said, “It gets bigger and bigger each year.”
Cullman Caring for Kids board member Alan Walker estimated that at least 500 to-go meals would be served by the event’s end. At least 200 had already been picked up within the first hour.
He said, “I’ve got five or six from the leadership group, five Boy Scouts and others volunteering. We’ve had lots of companies come by picking up large orders to take back to work or deliver to others. It’s going to be one of our best years ever, if not the best. Everyone has enjoyed getting out while it’s not raining.”
Extra hospitality was provided by Youth Leadership Cullman. The boys and girls manned the drink station and served as runners for the pick-up lines. Youth Leadership Cullman is made up of high school students across the county from city and county schools, private schools and those schooled at home. Dr. T.J. Franey was coordinating their duties.
“It’s a team effort,” Franey said. “We are glad to see our students out supporting this as well. They are excited to be here, and as you may know, they were out of school today. They showed up and are really happy to be here. Also, Little Lambs Preschool and Good Hope Primary students made our placemats you see on the tables.”
Guests were treated to live music as they ate and fellowshipped. Musical entertainment was provided by Enell Baker, Shannon Green, The Potentials, The Joyful Hearts and the FUMC Men’s Quartet. Guests also had many great silent auction packages and items to bid on to raise even more for Cullman Caring for Kids. Many local businesses and individuals donated the items.
This year’s event was in memory of Margaret Kansa, a longtime potter and supporter of Empty Bowls. She passed away in September 2018 at the age of 98. She was remembered by a lovely display at the entrance of the event hall. The display had pictures of Kansa from throughout her life and service to her country. She was a beloved member of the community.
Local Potter Wes Abbott was also honored. Also a longtime potter and contributor to Empty Bowls, Abbott retired recently and has moved into a senior care facility. Many of Abbott’s bowls were among those taken home by guests.
The talented potters who helped make Empty Bowls of Cullman County event possible were Wes Abbott, Sandra Heaven, Patti Bostick, Sandra Abbott, Patti Strickland, Christina Gutierrez, Frankie Greer, Barbara Stark, Lindanne Phillips, Lynn Jetton, Mike Strickland, Hank Hartley, Bob Stieger, Bret Greer and Sister Adrian McLean.
Copyright 2019 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
