Fundraiser helps food bank, center

Sunday's Empty Bowl fundraiser will offer a unique blend of food.

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The event, which will benefit the Golden Harvest Food Bank and the Augusta Jewish Community Center, will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Augusta Jewish Community Center in Evans.

"There's food from Waffle House to Calvert's," said Laurie Harmon, of Golden Harvest.

About 30 restaurants and caterers will provide a buffet of soups, breads and desserts. A special menu, featuring hot dogs from Publix and macaroni and cheese from Wife Saver, will be available for the younger attendees.

Everyone who attends will receive a piece of pottery made by Richmond and Columbia County middle and high school pupils.

Harmon said the items are of high quality.

"There is a lot of talent in the area," she said.

There also will be a silent auction featuring jewelry, artwork and gift certificates.

Harmon said most people are familiar with the work of Golden Harvest Food Bank but aren't aware that the Jewish Community Center provides programs such as summer camps for children.

Some of the proceeds from Sunday's fundraiser will be used to fund scholarships for children to attend those programs.

The center also runs an emergency food pantry, she said.

Past Empty Bowl fundraisers have raised as much as $16,000, with $8,000 benefiting each group, she said.

Last year, about 500 people attended the drop-in event.

Harmon said she hopes at least 800 people will attend this year.

Tickets can be purchased in advance on the Golden Harvest Food Bank Web site, www.goldenharvest.org.