Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie St.Clair.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Empty Bowls McKinney is modeled on the grassroots Empty Bowls effort that was created in 1990 to make a difference in ending hunger in local communities. Each Empty Bowls event is unique to the town or city it serves and reflects the commitment of artists and others to feed the hungry in their area. Empty Bowls McKinney began in 2012 in the parish hall at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, McKinney. The first event featured the work of two local artists, hosted 100 people, and raised $4500. Last year, Empty Bowls McKinney included the work of more than 50 local artists, as well as student and amateur artists, hosted over 800 people, and raised $75,000 – more than fifteen times the amount of the first event. Proceeds benefit hunger initiatives at McKinney’s Community Lifeline Center.
Has it been a smooth road?
Growing a small church event to a large community happening has been challenging. I have met so many new people and learned new things along the way. It takes a lot of artists to create 1,000 bowls a year for the event and I’ve been blessed to meet wonderful artists in McKinney who are incredibly generous. I’ve also met amazing restaurant people who are community conscious and bring gourmet soups and sweets to our event. I’ve learned a lot of lessons in marketing the event and in recruiting solid volunteer staff.
We’d love to hear more about the event and the other activities of the organization.
This unique annual event begins with a showcase of over 1,000 one-of-a-kind bowls handcrafted by professional and student artists. For the $25 price of admission, guests come to share a sampling of gourmet soups, breads, and sweets that have been lovingly prepared by chefs from local restaurants. Included in the price of admission, guests take home one of these empty handcrafted bowls as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the local community and of the children and adults who go to sleep hungry. And the end result: much-needed funds that support hunger initiatives at Community Lifeline Center. Last year we were provided more than 80% of the funds spent on food in their Lifeline Market.
Plan on attending next year’s fun and festive event to be held Thursday, May 16 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the McKinney Performing Arts Center located at 111 Tennessee St. in McKinney. Admission is $25.00 per person, and children under 10 are free. Admission includes specialty soups and breads from local restaurants and a one-of-a-kind handcrafted bowl. Entertainment will be provided by the E Flat Porch Band. Tickets will be available next March at www.EmptyBowlsMcKinney.com.
Other activities include: An online Silent Auction featuring Artisan bowls, a raffle featuring bowls from the Showcase Collection, the sale of Limited Edition Collection bowls, and a Kid’s Corner with activities for the young ones. The event will take place rain or shine.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
McKinney is incredibly supportive of non-profit endeavors.
Pricing:
- Collector’s Club tickets (with early entry) are $75.00
- Early Bird Tickets (on sale thru April 30) are $25.00
- General Admission Tickets are $35.00
Contact Info:
- Address: 511 Foote St.
McKinney, TX 75069 - Website: www.emptybowlsmckinney.com
- Phone: 972-562-1166
- Email: jamie@emptybowlsmckinney.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/EmptyBMcKinney
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/EmptyBowlsMcKinney
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/EmptyBMcKinney
Image Credit:
Joe Ownbey
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