Empty Bowls event benefits those in need in Manatee County

BRADENTON -- Debra Pashkowsky has a collection of artisan bowls from the annual Empty Bowls event displayed at her Bradenton home.

Pashkowsky added another one to the collection Friday as she attended her 14th Empty Bowls with friends.

"This is our tradition that we do," Pashkowsky said as she tried 9th Street Bistro's apple pear and brie soup and Beach Bistro's bistro blue tomato soup. "We love our collection of bowls and obviously, we are helping the community, which I'm a big believer of doing a lot to help Manatee County."

Hundreds of people filled the Renaissance on 9th for the 15th annual Empty Bowls, which benefits the Food Bank of Manatee. More than 20 local restaurants set up around the circumference of the room spooning out samples of different soups.

"It is our biggest fundraiser for Food Bank of Manatee," Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee CEO Maribeth Phillips said. The event was also held on Lakewood Ranch Main Street last Friday.

With approximately 50,000 people in Manatee County living below the poverty line, the Food Bank of Manatee distributed 4.5 million pounds of food last year, Phillips said.

"It is called Empty Bowls because so many people in the community have empty bowls and this is helping us fill those bowls of people in need," Phillips said. "We want to make sure everyone has bowls filled in Manatee County."

It is a way for local restaurants to get there names out there, said Matt Elliott, division manager for Riverhouse Reef & Grill and Fratello's Chicago Pizzeria.

"I know it's for a good cause," said Elliott, who has participated in the event for six years. "We try to do as much grassroots community work as we can. It always seems to be a really good event."

As a former social services director at Salvation Army, Rick Eno, who now works in catering at SOMA Creekside, said it's nice to be back in the community.

"The event is fantastic," Eno said. "It is good to see the community coming together for a good cause. I feel great helping. Just happy to be here."

Bradenton resident Maureen Barber has attended the last few years with neighbors and friends.

"We try to come every year because it is always a lot of fun, for charity, soups are always great and learn new places to go to eat," she said.

O'Bricks Irish Pub manager Jess Ladika was dishing out white bean chicken chili.

"I love it," he said. "The best part is just for a good cause. It really benefits those in need. It is nice to give back."

Claire Aronson, Manatee County reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7024. Follow her on Twitter@Claire_Aronson.

This story was originally published November 20, 2015 at 5:08 PM with the headline "Empty Bowls event benefits those in need in Manatee County ."