Sixth Annual Bowls for Hope Event to Benefit BRIDGE for Community Life, Inc.

January 23, 2015--Early each year the University of Wisconsin-River Falls works with the community to raise funds through the Bowls for Hope event in which proceeds raised help a worthy organization make a difference in the St. Croix Valley. This year, BRIDGE for Community Life, Inc. has been selected as the benefiting organization. 

The 2015 Bowls for Hope event will be held Tuesday, March 10, from 5-7 p.m. at UW-River Falls. 

For an entrance fee of $25/adult and $5/children age 12 and under, participants at the event may select and keep a bowl created in ceramic/pottery classes at UWRF, River Falls High School, Meyer Middle School, the Renaissance Academy, or by area artists. Attendees may also sample, at no extra charge, soups donated and served by area restaurants. Guests have the opportunity to vote for their favorite soup. 

The 2014 Bowls for Hope event raised $6,600 for Grow to Share, Inc. Since 2010, Bowls for Hope has raised more than $28,000 for St. Croix Valley charitable organizations. 

BRIDGE collaborates with school, county and community youth serving agencies in providing lifelong learning opportunities for youth and others with disabilities. 

"One of the greatest challenges for persons with disabilities as they age is social isolation," said BRIDGE Executive Director Peg Gagnon. "Funds raised with the Bowls for Hope event will be used to provide dances, parties and other social activities evenings and weekends to help create a more vibrant social life for youth, young adults and adults with disabilities in our area." 

Participating restaurants include: Bo's 'N Mine, Coach's  Bar & Grill, Copper Kettle, Dish and the Spoon Café, Junior's Bar & Restaurant, Kilkarney Hills, 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 include Doug Johnson, Ingrid Bjerstedt-Rogers, S.C. Rolf, Diane Webster, Doug Peterson, Bob Brodersen, Wendy Olson, Ben Gavin, Jay Jensen, Jennifer King, Michael  Luethmers, Matt Howie, Steve Zalusky, Scott Zeinert, Randy  Johnston, Jan McKeachie-Johnston, Rhonda Willers' and Mike Helke's ceramic classes at UWRF, Eoin Breadon's 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. 

Live piano music will be provided throughout the evening. 

Tickets can be purchased at the River Falls Chamber of Commerce office or by contacting the UWRF Chancellor's office at 715-425-3201. Tickets will also be available at the door. Purchasing tickets in advance will guarantee a bowl. 

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

For further information on Bowls for Hope, visit https://www.uwrf.edu/BowlsForHope or email mary.vangalen@uwrf.edu.