UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls

 Bowls for Hope March 2015 kmh 6

Photo: Attendees select bowls made by local artists during the Bowls for Hope event held at UW-River Falls on March 10. The event raised $6,225 for BRIDGE for Community Life, Inc. Since its inception in 2010, Bowls for Hope has raised more than $34,000 for local charitable organizations.

Bowls for Hope

Bowls for Hope 2015

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UW-River Falls Bowls for Hope Event Raises $6,225 for BRIDGE for Community Life

The University of Wisconsin-River Falls hosted the sixth annual Bowls for Hope event March 10 in the University Center, raising $6,225 for BRIDGE for Community Life, Inc. Each year, UWRF works with the community to raise funds through Bowls for Hope for a worthy organization that makes a difference in the St. Croix Valley. To date, Bowls for Hope has raised more than $34,000 for local charitable organizations. 

BRIDGE collaborates with school, county and community youth serving agencies in providing lifelong learning opportunities for youth and others with disabilities. "Our vision is that individuals with disabilities will be seen as community assets to be nurtured and developed so that they can become welcome, productive and engaged citizens in the community," said George Zaske, chairman of BRIDGE's board of directors. "The Bowls for Hope Fundraiser supports that mission by bringing together people across the community around individuals with special needs. The event validates in the most human way all that we're trying to achieve on behalf of people who work so hard to overcome their obstacles." 

For an entrance fee of $25/adult and $5/children age 12 and under, participants at the event selected and kept a bowl created in ceramic/pottery and glass classes at UWRF, River Falls High School, Meyer Middle School, the Renaissance Academy, or by area artists. Attendees also sampled, at no extra charge, soups donated and served by area restaurants. Guests voted for their favorite soup of the evening and this year's winner was Rush River Beer Cheese Soup from UWRF Sodexo Dining Services.

"This was a great event – not only for the dollars it raised to support BRIDGE programs, but also for the visibility it provided to its important work of bringing families, educators, the business community and the public together around people with disabilities," said Ginny Ballantine, BRIDGE marketing manager.

For more information on BRIDGE for Community Life, Inc., visit http://bridgeywd.org.

Participating restaurants included: Bo's 'N Mine, Copper Kettle, Dish and the Spoon Café, Kilkarney Hills, kp's kitchen at Bayport BBQ, Perkins Family Restaurant & Bakery, River Falls Hospital Sodexo Dining Services, South Fork Café, UWRF Sodexo Dining Services, West Wind Supper Club, and Whole Earth Grocery. 

Artists contributing bowls included: Doug Johnson, S.C. Rolf,  Doug Peterson, Bob Brodersen, Wendy Olson, Ben Gavin, Jay Jensen, Jennifer King, Michael  Luethmers, Steve Zalusky, Scott Zeinert, Randy Johnston, Jan McKeachie-Johnston, Rhonda Willers & Mike Helke ceramic classes at UWRF, Eoin Breadon's advanced glass studio class at UWRF, Anne Buchholz's class at the Renaissance Academy, River Falls High School pottery classes taught by Gina Pedriana-Basche, and Kelyn King's class at Meyer Middle School.


For further information, please contact: Mary Van Galen at mary.vangalen@uwrf.edu

 

BowlsForHope245wide

SAVE THE DATE!

Tuesday, March 8, 2016
5-7 p.m.
University Center, Ballroom
UW-River Falls Campus

 

Adult Tickets $25 each
Children 12 and under $5 each