Photo:  Patrons for this year's Bowls For Hope event search the table full of bowls to find the perfect one to keep. UWRF photo/Kathy M Helgeson.

Bowls for Hope raises $6,000 for Moola for Milk Program

March 27, 2017--The eighth annual Bowls for Hope event held March 7at UW-River Falls raised $6,000for the Hunger Prevention Council of Pierce County-Moola for Milk Program. 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.

"Funds raised from Bowls for Hope will be used to purchase milk for struggling families visiting community pantries in St. Croix and Pierce counties," said Jeff Bealles, coordinator, Hunger Prevention Council of Pierce County. "Milk is high in nutrients and a necessity for many recipes. It's at the top of the list as far as desired foods are concerned in the pantries. Bowls for Hope funds will ensure thousands of families (mostly women and children) receive milk."  

Guests voted for their favorite soup of the evening and the winner of the People's Choice Award went toKinni View Deli at Riverwalk Square's White Chicken Chili. The restaurant owners and chef's also voted for their favorite of the night and the winner of the Chef's Choice Award was Copper Kettle's Egyptian Red Lentil Soup.

Artists contributing bowls for the event were Marilyn Anderson, Donna Badje, Ingrid Bjerstedt-Rogers, Bob Brodersen, Cheryl Carter, Roger Evans, Cathi Herriman, Jay Jensen, Randy Johnston, Jennifer King, Michael Luethmers, Pat McCardle, Jan McKeachie-Johnston, Wendy Olson, Doug Peterson, S.C. Rolf, Scott Zeinert, Rhonda Willers ceramic classes at UWRF, Renaissance Academy classes taught by Kyle Stapleton, River Falls High School pottery classes taught by Gina Pedriana-Basche, and Kelyn King's class at Meyer Middle School.

Participating restaurants providing and serving soup were Belle Vinez, Bo's 'N Mine, Copper Kettle, Kilkarney Hills, Perkins Family Restaurant & Bakery, River Falls Area Hospital  Dining Services,  Kinni View Deli at Riverwalk Square, Selah Vie, South Fork Café, UWRF Chartwells Dining Services, West Wind Supper Club, and Whole Earth Grocery. 

"We had a great time and were very honored to be the beneficiaries of this year's event," said Bealles. "We appreciate all and volunteers and their hard work and effort that went into executing it. The bowls and soup were outstanding, so a huge thank you to the artists and restaurants who generously donated their talent and time. Finally, thank you to the hundreds of attendees, sponsors and donors who showed up and supported Bowls for Hope and the Moola for Milk program."

Moola for Milk is administered in Pierce County by the Hunger Prevention Council of Pierce County and in St. Croix County by the United Way St. Croix Valley.

To date, Bowls for Hope has raised more than $46,000for local charitable organizations.

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