Photo: The West Wind Supper Club’s Cider Beer Cheese Soup won the People’s Choice Award for favorite soup of the evening at this year’s Bowls for Hope charity event which raised $6,500 for Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley. Photo by Kathy M Helgeson/UWRF Communications.

Bowls for Hope event 

The ninth annual Bowls for Hope event held March 6 at UW-River Falls raised $6,500 for Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley. Each year UWRF collaborates with the community to raise funds through Bowls for Hope for a worthy organization that makes a difference in the St. Croix Valley.

“Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley appreciates the generosity of the artists, restaurants, UWRF volunteers, and the community that contributed to the success of the UWRF Bowls for Hope event,” said Executive Director Agnes Ring. “As the recipient of the 2018 Bowls for Hope proceeds, Family Resource Center will use the funds to meet eligible emergency needs of families with young children enrolled in our home visiting program. Every dollar spent in the flex fund program for home visiting families will be matched by the Family Foundation Home Visiting program.”

Pickles were donated by Oh Snap Pickles. Piano music for the evening was provided by Nan Jordahl. Live radio coverage was provided by WRFW-FM.

To date, Bowls for Hope has raised more than $52,500 for local charitable organizations.

 

Bowls for Hope Event
For an entrance fee of $25/adult and $5/children age 12 and under, participants may select and keep a bowl created in ceramic, pottery, fibers and wood by area artists, classes at UWRF, River Falls High School, Meyer Middle School and the Renaissance Academy. Attendees may then sample, at no extra charge, soups donated and served by area restaurants. Guests have the opportunity to vote for their favorite soup. A "Chefs' Choice Award" will also be given for the soup favored by the chefs participating in the event.

Tickets
Tickets can be purchased at the River Falls Chamber of Commerce, 215 W. Maple Street, at the Chancellor's Office in 116 North Hall or at the Information Desk in the University Center starting in mid January. For questions in regards to advanced ticket sales, call 715-425-3201. Tickets will also be available at the door. Purchasing tickets in advance will guarantee a bowl.

Silent Auction
We will be showcasing a silent auction.  The auction will feature roughly a dozen items donated by our artists. Items will need to be paid for the evening of the event with cash or check. 

2018 Soup Winners  
Guests voted for their favorite soup of the evening and the winner of the People's Choice Award went to The West Wind Supper Club for their Cider Beer Cheese. The Restaurant owners and chef's also voted for their favorite of the night. The winner of the Chef's Choice Award was the Roasted Red Pepper Bisque from Mei Mei's Cookies.

Participating Restaurants
Belle Vinez, Bo's 'N Mine, Copper Kettle, Junior's Restaurant & Tap House, Kilkarney Hills, Kinni View Deli at Riverwalk Square, Mei Mei's Cookies, River Falls Area Hospital Dining Services, Swinging Bridge Brewing Co, UWRF Chartwells Dining Services, West Wind Supper Club, and WE Market Co-op.

Artists Contributing Bowls
Marilyn Anderson, Donna Badje, Megan Bauman, Ingrid Bjerstedt-Rogers, Eoin Breadon, Bob Brodersen, Cheryl Carter, Roger Evans, Jay Jensen, Randy Johnston, Kinnickinnic Clayworks, LLC, Michael Luethmers, Pat McCardle, Jan McKeachie-Johnston, Wendy Olson, S.C. Rolf, Rhonda Willers and Scott Zeinert.

Rhonda Willer's ceramic classes at UWRF, Eoin Breadon's glass studio classes at UWRF, Renaissance Academy classes taught by Kyle Stapleton, River Falls High School ceramic classes taught by Taylor Berman and Kelyn King's class at Meyer Middle School.

Special this year are bowls made by Bob Brodersen from clay that belonged to the late Doug Johnson. 

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For further information, email Mary Van Galen at mary.vangalen@uwrf.edu.