UW-River Falls to Host Bowls For Hope to Benefit Kinnickinnic Backpack Program

March 11, 2011—The University of Wisconsin-River Falls will host the second annual Bowls For Hope charity event March 22 from 5-7 p.m. in the Riverview Ballroom of the University Center.  The event is an opportunity for the university and the community to work together to assist a local charity.
   
The Kinnickinnic Backpack Program was selected this year as the event’s beneficiary through a competitive application process. The program is a River Falls-based charity that fills backpacks with a complete nonperishable meal for four for approximately 55 school-age children in need on the weekends during the school year. Proceeds from Bowls For Hope will be used to purchase vouchers for fresh fruit and vegetables.

Speaking on behalf of the committee, Mary Van Galen says, “We are grateful for the strong relationship between the university and the community, and for the support of last year’s event in which $5,000 was raised for Our Neighbors Place. The Kinnickinnic Backpack Program also addresses a very important need, and we are hopeful that we will have strong participation again this year.”

Attendees select a bowl handcrafted by local artists and enjoy a sample of soup donated by area restaurants. Soups will be provided by Bo's-N-Mine, Coach's Bar & Grill, Copper Kettle, Dish & The Spoon Café, Earth Angels, Grateful Bread, Junior's Bar & Grill, Perkins Family Restaurant, Sodexo Dining Services, South Fork Café, West Wind Supper Club and the Whole Earth Co-op.

Participants can also enjoy the smooth sounds of the Stolen Moments Jazz Quartet and the River Falls High School Choral Department at the event.

Bowls for the event are handmade by both local students and artists. Contributors include Doug Johnson, Ingrid Bjerstedt-Rogers, Bob Fritz, S.C. Rolf, Diane Webster, Bob Brodersen, Wendy Olson, Jay Jensen, Kurt Wild, Jennifer King, Mark Tomlinson, Dan Nitzler, Scott Zeinert, Randy Johnston's class at UW-River Falls, Anne Buchholz's class at The Renaissance Academy, Gina Pedriana-Basche's class at River Falls High School, Beth Kenseth's class at Meyer Middle School and the Greenwood Teacher's Pottery Class by Robin Kelley.

Tickets for Bowls For Hope are $20 and can be purchased in advance at the River Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau. Tickets will also be available at the door.

For more information, contact the Chancellor's Office at 715-425-3201 or visit https://www.uwrf.edu/bowlsforhope.