Empty Bowls dinner benefits PATH Center

	The PATH Center received proceeds of $4,639 from this year's Empty Bowls fund-raiser sponsored by the Student Social Work Organization of Defiance College. This year's event broke a new record for money raised. Pictured at the PATH Center are, from left: Lori Robison, director of the social work program; Erin Wendt, vice president, SSWO; Linda Mayer, PATH case manager and DC alumna; and Lindsi Anderson, SSWO member.

The eighth annual Empty Bowls event to benefit the PATH Center raised a record-breaking $4,639. Held recently at St. John United Church of Christ, the project is jointly sponsored by the Defiance College Social Work Organization, art department, and office of spiritual life. The goal is to raise funds to help feed the hungry, with all proceeds going to the PATH Center.

Area restaurants and individuals made and donated a variety of soups and breads included in the dinner menu, with soup served in handmade bowls. Defiance College art professor Steve Smith and local artists Brandon Knott and Tyler Schimmoeller made more than 550 bowls for this year’s event. Diners were encouraged to continue using these one-of-a-kind bowls as a reminder of those who their donations will serve.

Those restaurants, organizations and individuals donating items for the dinner included Arps Dairy, Asian Grill Buffet, Big Boy, Bob Evans, Bud’s Restaurant, Burger King of Defiance and Bryan, Cabin Fever, Carmine’s Little Italy, Charlie’s Down Under, DC Women’s Club, Shawn Faryniarz, Good Samaritan School Seniors, Jacob’s Meats, Kissner’s, McDonald’s, Nancy’s, Ponderosa Steak House, Rita’s, Steve and Marsha Sondergaard, and Jeff Weaner.