Contest to aid group in helping food bank

Last year's Empty Bowl campaign raised more than $20,000 for Golden Harvest Food Bank and Augusta Jewish Community Center. This year, Empty Bowl hopes to surpass that mark with its "Got Soup?" campaign.

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To get ready for the March 8 fundraiser, the coordinators of Empty Bowl are asking middle and high school pupils to submit artwork for a T-shirt design contest. Entries must be submitted before Jan. 10.

The winning design will be featured on all event T-shirts, and the winning designer will receive a $100 savings bond and a TV appearance.

Last year's design contest drew more than 300 entries, said Shannon Powell, the media committee chairwoman for Empty Bowl.

"Empty Bowl has steadily grown each year; each year, the CSRA community participates more and more, enabling us to provide more resources and awareness for the Golden Harvest Food Bank and AJCC," Powell said. "This eighth annual event will be one of the most important events we have ever had because of the economic downturn, the job losses and uncertainty we are all feeling. More people than ever will lean on the food bank and outreach from our local community."

Powell said it is through the "gracious, kind hearts" of local restaurateurs, businesses, crafters, students and individuals who attend the Empty Bowl event that a difference can be made.

"It is important to know all funds from Empty Bowl stay here in the CSRA," Powell said. "I am proud to be a part of this event every year. I have had hard times in my life when I needed help and, hopefully, I can make a small difference for someone else less fortunate than me."

Powell said the T-shirt design contest is a great way to "empower local kids to actively participate, through art and creativity, in helping others in need."

"Hunger happens here in the CSRA, not just someplace else," she added. "We are all touched by someone in need, whether we realize it or not and everyone can help. No contribution is too small; awareness is half the battle."

Designs can be in color or black and white and must be no larger than 8 by 8 inches. Entries must incorporate Empty Bowl's themes: Ending Hunger Together, Got Soup? and Empty Bowl 2009.

Designs can be mailed to Empty Bowl 2009, AJCC, 898 Weinberger Way, Evans, GA 30809.