Community members gathered for the PROP Empty Bowls fundraiser at St. Andrew Lutheran Church on Feb. 20. Photos by Gillian Holte
PROP Food held its annual Empty Bowls fundraising event on Feb. 20 at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Eden Prairie.
Attendees enjoyed soup from various local restaurants, live entertainment, a wine pull and a silent auction. They could also take home bowls made by local students and artists.
“Working together with our sponsors, volunteers and donors, we are so grateful to announce that we exceeded our goal of raising $90,000,” PROP Executive Director Jenifer Loon said.
Mayor Ron Case declared Feb. 20 as “Empty Bowls Day in Eden Prairie.”
PROP expanded its event this year with the addition of the Empty Bowls After Party event at Fat Pants Brewing Co.
“We were thrilled so many people joined us for this inaugural After Party event and are excited to begin work on what next year’s event can look like,” said Matt Dymoke, PROP’s development director.
Rich Weaver, a kitchen volunteer for Empty Bowls, hugs Gayle Benson, a former Eden Prairie resident he hasn’t seen for years. “That is one of the neat things with Empty Bowls — it brings people together,” Weaver said.
Clint Deans and PROP board member Kim Larish work a booth at the event. Attendees could win a beverage at the wine pull or bottle spin, bid on silent auction items, or take selfies at the photo booth.
Grace Pass has been making pottery for over 50 years. 
A bowl made by Grace Pass. She labels each of her donated bowls with “giving is a grace, pass it on.”
The St. Hubert Catholic School band performs
Over 150 volunteers and entertainers contributed to this year’s Empty Bowls event.
Eden Prairie City Council member Lisa Toomey dishes up a bowl of soup.
The St. Hubert Catholic School choir performs.
