10th Annual Bowls for Hope event to benefit River Falls Sunshine Fund

 

January 9, 2019 - Each March the University of Wisconsin-River Falls works with the community to raise funds through the Bowls for Hope event where proceeds raised help a worthy organization make a difference in the St. Croix Valley. River Falls Sunshine Fund has been selected as the benefiting organization this year. 

The 10^th Annual Bowls for Hope event is Tuesday, March 5, from 5-7 p.m. in the Riverview Ballroom of the University Center at UW-River Falls. Everyone is invited to take part in this community 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, wood and glass studio classes at UW-River Falls, River Falls High School, Meyer Middle School, the Renaissance Academy, or by area artists. Attendees may then sample, at no extra charge, soups donated and served by area restaurants. Guests may vote for their favorite soup. A “Chefs’ Choice Award” will also be given for the soup favored by the chefs participating in the event. A silent auction will feature items donated by the artists. Items purchased will need to be paid for the evening of the event with cash or check.

River Falls Sunshine Fund is a compassionate high school student lead nonprofit organization that offers help to families and students in the greater River Falls area in times of crisis. The organization offers support when family members pass, battle cancer, or have other hardships in their daily lives by providing gas cards, meal vouchers, and other forms of support.

"I feel very fortunate and grateful that the River Falls Sunshine Fund was selected to receive this year’s Bowls for Hope event proceeds,” said River Falls High School senior Autumn Gray. “Being a part of the Sunshine Fund has always been a sincere honor. I cherish being able to give back to families amid their struggles. I understand what difficulties can feel like from my own family’s experiences.”

“We plan to use this money to continue our mission of giving back to families in our school district during their hardships,” Gray said. “These families need a support system they can depend on to show them they are not alone. Thank you for selecting the River Falls Sunshine Fund as the recipient of the 2019 Bowls of Hope proceeds.”

Participating restaurants:
Belle Vinez, Bo's 'N Mine, Copper Kettle, Junior’s Restaurant and Tap House, Kilkarney Hills, Kinni Café, Mei Mei’s Cookies, River Falls Area Hospital Dining Services, Chartwells Dining Services at UWRF, West Wind Supper Club, and WE Market Co-op. 

Artists contributing bowls:
Marilyn Anderson, Donna Badje, Ingrid Bjerstedt-Rogers, Eoin Breadon, Bob Brodersen, Tom Caflisch, Cheryl Carter, Patrick Casanova, Roger Evans, Jay Jensen, Randy Johnston, Kinnickinnic Clayworks LLC, Michael Luethmers, Pat McCardle, Jan McKeachie-Johnston, Wendy Olson, S.C. Rolf, and Rhonda Willers. Michael Helke’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 again this year are bowls made by Bob Brodersen from clay that belonged to the late Doug Johnson.

Tickets can be purchased at the River Falls Chamber of Commerce, 215 West Maple Street; at the UWRF Chancellor's Office, 116 North Hall; and at the Information Desk in the University Center on campus. Purchasing tickets in advance will guarantee a bowl. Tickets will also be available at the door. If questions about advance ticket sales, call 715-425-3201. 

For more information, visit www.uwrf.edu/bowlsforhope/ or email mary.vangalen@uwrf.edu