By: Jeff Rost

Area school children, college students and professionals are making bowls to help raise money for the Buffalo Friends of the Night People and the Food Bank of Western New York to assist the homeless and working poor of the community. The charitable event titled “Empty Bowls” will showcase bowls of all shapes and sizes.

“The event is a good way of showing that the Buffalo community can come together to help out the less fortunate. It also shows that in a time of crisis that Buffalo is in right now, we are not forgetting about the less fortunate,” said University at Buffalo junior, Adam Kern.

The event is done nationwide to benefit the homeless and working poor, and will be the second time that Buffalo State host it.
Mary Wyrick, chair and professor for the art education department, is excited about the event and what it means to the students involved.

“The students are having opportunities to learn about art and about service to the community,” she said. “I could hear the students saying this one is really sweet and awesome.”

The schools and people involved in the event are:
• Ellicott Road Elementary
• Blasdell Elementary
• Eggert Elementary
• Springville Elementary
• Olmstead School 64
• North Tonawanda Middle School
• West Street Elementary
• Williams Street School
• Lake Shore Middle School
• Starpoint Middle School
• Southtowns Academy
• Pembroke Junior and Senior High School
• West Seneca West High School
• Lancaster High School
• Burgard High School
• Sweet Home High School
• Fredonia Central High School
• Amherst Central High School
• North Tonawanda High School
• Starpoint Senior High School
• Buffalo State College
• Stan Panetski
• Morgan Baker
• Anthony Krull

The rain or shine event sponsored by Buffalo State College’s art education department, design department, New York State Teachers’ Art Association (NYSATA), and the Buffalo State chapter of NYSATA is to be held on May 22ndon the front lawn of Buffalo State at the northwest corner of Elmwood and Rockwell Ave. from noon to 5 p.m. Prices for the bowls are still being determined.

Food and beverages are only available to those who buy a bowl. Lastly, volunteers are always needed and greatly appreciated.

For more information about the event, or to volunteer, Wyrick at wyrickml@buffalostate.edu.

Contact Jeff Rost at: rostjw06@mail.buffalostate.edu