UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls

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Fifth Annual Bowls for Hope to Benefit Grow to Share, Inc.

January 14, 2014 – The University of Wisconsin-River Falls is hosting the fifth annual Bowls for Hope event on campus on Wednesday, March 12, from 5-7 p.m. in the Riverview Ballroom, University Center. Each year, UW-River Falls works with the community to raise funds through Bowls for Hope for a worthy organization that makes a difference in the St. Croix Valley. Proceeds this year will benefit Grow to Share, Inc.   

For an entrance fee of $20/adult and $5/children 12 and under, participants will select and keep a bowl that was created in ceramic/pottery classes at UWRF, 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 will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite soup of the evening. 

Grow to Share, Inc., is a non-profit community garden in River Falls that believes everyone should have access to fresh, locally grown food. To accomplish this, food is grown in local community gardens and donated to food pantries and shelters throughout the area. Grow to Share also hosts event days to learn more about gardening. Grow To Share, Inc. was founded in 2009 and was the brainchild of Josh Hudek, a UW-River Falls student at that time. 

"We, at Grow to Share, are thrilled to be involved in Bowls for Hope this year," said Grow to Share Secretary Anna Zalusky. "Our organization, and those we serve, will benefit tremendously. We plan to extend a water line to the garden, allowing us to grow more food with less work.  This will increase our yield and improve our volunteers' enjoyment and satisfaction." 

The 2013 Bowls for Hope event raised $6,385 for the Free Clinic of Pierce and St. Croix Counties. To date, Bowls for Hope has raised more than $21,000 for local charitable organizations.  

Tickets to the event may be purchased at the River Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau (214 N. Main Street) or by contacting the UW-River Falls Chancellor's Office at 715-425-3201. Tickets will also be available at the door, but purchasing a ticket in advance will guarantee a bowl.  

Artists contributing bowls include Doug Johnson, Ingrid Bjerstedt-Rogers, S.C. Rolf, Diane Webster, Joe Singwald, Doug Peterson, Bob Brodersen, Wendy Olson, Ben Gavin, Jay Jensen, Jennifer King, Michael Luethmers, Dan Nistler, Matt Howie, Steve Zalusky, Scott Zeinert, Randy Johnston, Jan McKeachie-Johnston, Randy Johnston's 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. 

Participating restaurants include UWRF Sodexo Dining Services, Dish & the Spoon Café, Juniors Bar & Grill, Paddy Ryan's Irish Pub, Perkins Family Restaurant, South Fork Café, West Wind Supper Club, Bo's N Mine, Copper Kettle, Coach's Bar & Grill, Kilkarney Hills, Whole Earth Co-op, and River Falls Hospital Sodexo Dining Services. "We are very grateful for the support, and we look forward to continuing to bring nutritious food and hands-on gardening experience to our community," said Zalusky.  

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

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