Empty Bowls 2024
Scenic City Clay Arts (SCCA) and Be the Change Youth Initiative (BTCYI) hosted the second annual Empty Bowls of Chattanooga, happening on November 13, 2024 from 5:30-8 p.m. at The Signal Ballroom. This powerful community event raised $21,000 to combat youth food insecurity, with proceeds supporting Hamilton County Schools' lunch debt.
Empty Bowls is part of a global initiative, uniting communities in the fight against hunger by offering a handcrafted bowl as a reminder of those in need.
"Last year, our community’s generosity helped us raise over $1,600 to stock a pantry at the Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy,” said SCCA Executive Director, Madeline Wright. “This year, we’re focusing on the growing challenge of lunch debt in our schools. By partnering with Be the Change Youth Initiative, we’re addressing an immediate need that affects countless students in our community."
Event attendees experienced an evening filled with delicious food, live entertainment, and meaningful community engagement. Each guest had the opportunity to choose a unique ceramic bowl made by local artists and SCCA potters. The dinner featured a variety of cuisine generously donated by some of Chattanooga’s favorite local restaurants, including Mac’s Kitchen and Bar, The Spice Trail, Clever Alehouse, Niedlov’s, Carving Rock Kitchen, The Better Bakery, and Nothing Bundt Cakes. Local podcaster Malcolm Harris served as emcee, and indie duo In The Company Of Wolves provided live music for the evening. Attendees also had the chance to learn more about the impact of food insecurity on local families and how they can contribute to addressing the issue.
The Empty Bowls event would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, including The McKenzie Foundation, HHM Wealth Advisors, HHM Certified Public Accountants, Tennessee Valley Authority, Make Beautiful Videography, Scenic City Neuropathy, Macaulay Property Group, Chattanooga Whiskey, (Be)Caffeinated, Hive Think Media, New Wave Coffee Roasters, and Sims Custom Woodwork.