(from the Loudoun Times-Mirror)

Loudoun Empty Bowls raised $54,000 to support Loudoun Hunger Relief, LAWS Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services and Dulles South Food Pantry, according to a press release.

The Empty Bowls event was held Sept. 14 at Stone Tower Winery in Leesburg, which has been the venue sponsor for 10 years.

Loudoun Empty Bowls brings together artists who donate one-of-a-kind handmade bowls, community members who are working to eliminate hunger and injustice in the area. The 2023 event sold out as soon as ticket sales opened, the release states.

“LAWS is so grateful for the talent and generosity of everyone involved in Loudoun Empty Bowls. You feed adult and child victims who stay in LAWS’ domestic violence shelter to escape violence at home; last year, that meant food to support 3,772 bed nights of safe shelter,” said Debra Gilmore, CEO of LAWS.

“We extend our gratitude to each artist who contributed a bowl, truly pieces of art, to this effort. Kaarin Nelson’s painting for the raffle was, as always, an event highlight. We are grateful to the event sponsors. And we thank every donor who made this event a wonderful success. LHR has had a 30% increase in demand this fall, and we are so grateful for this support,” said Jennifer Montgomery, president and CEO of Loudoun Hunger Relief.

Speaking for Dulles South Food Pantry, Karen Ergenbright said, “Dulles South is also seeing an increase in those needing food. We are so grateful to our friends at Loudoun Empty Bowls for their contribution.”

The following people and organizations supported the event:

—Sponsors and patrons: Stone Tower Winery, Kevin and Meg Miller and Family, Adam Kennedy, David and Amy Bosserman, Chris Bowen and Nancy Taylor, Julia Borneman of Watermark Woods-Native Plants, Backflow Technology, LLC, HWS Foundation, Fortessa Tableware and Sterling Restaurant Supply

—Soup donors: Leesburg Public House, Lightfoot Restaurant, Market Table Bistro, Salamander Resort, Savoir Fare, South Street Under and Stone Tower Winery

Dessert and bread donors: Holly Davis, Natalie Metzler, Magen Morse, Kaarin Nelson, Amy Palmer, Amy Berringer, and Costco

—Additional donors: White House Ceramics with Kristen Swanson and Carolee Stearns, Poppy Hill Ceramics, Round Hill Art Center, Clay and Metal Loft, Althouse Pottery, Chunk of Happiness, Butterfly Bend Pottery, Leesburg Senior Center, Taylorstown Pottery, Joseph and Jessica Anderson of Blue Night Sonata; Potomac Vegetable Farm; Olga Moreno; Jennifer Bergel; Virginia Aribe; Linda Snow; Sherrie Plowman; Libby Fritsche

—Corporate support: Costco, Wegmans

Creative Bowl Partners: Bryan Mattraw, Yousung Choi, Meredith Kopp, Carolee Stearns, Chris Bowen, Liam Berringer, Drake Woehrle, Eddie Largent, Lansdowne Woods Pottery Club of Virginia, Leesburg Senior Center, Round Hill Art Center, The Clay & Metal Loft, Kristen Swanson, Amy Berringer, Kaarin Nelson, Lori Stearns, Kari Schriever, Maureen Alvarez, Jenn Bodamer, and Carrie Althouse.

Raffle Items: Kaarin Nelson, Carrie Althouse