UWRF Bowls for Hope raises $6,225 for charitable organization

UW-River Falls hosted the sixth annual Bowls for Hope event March 10 in the University Center, raising $6,225 for BRIDGE for Community Life, Inc.

Each year, UWRF works with the community to raise funds through Bowls for Hope for a worthy organization that makes a difference in the St. Croix Valley. To date, Bowls for Hope has raised more than $34,000 for local charitable organizations.

BRIDGE collaborates with school, county and community youth serving agencies in providing lifelong learning opportunities for youth and others with disabilities.

“Our vision is that individuals with disabilities will be seen as community assets to be nurtured and developed so that they can become welcome, productive and engaged citizens in the community,” said George Zaske, chairman of BRIDGE’s board of directors. “The Bowls for Hope Fundraiser supports that mission by bringing together people across the community around individuals with special needs. The event validates in the most human way all that we’re trying to achieve on behalf of people who work so hard to overcome their obstacles.”

For an entrance fee of $25 per adult and $5 for children age 12 and under, participants at the event selected and kept a bowl created in ceramic, pottery and glass classes at UWRF, River Falls High School, Meyer Middle School, the Renaissance Academy, or by area artists. Attendees also sampled, at no extra charge, soups donated and served by area restaurants. Guests voted for their favorite soup of the evening and this year’s winner was Rush River Beer Cheese Soup from UWRF Sodexo Dining Services.

Participating restaurants included: Bo’s ’N Mine, Copper Kettle, Dish and the Spoon Café, Kilkarney Hills, Perkins Family Restaurant & Bakery, River Falls Hospital Sodexo Dining Services, South Fork Café, UWRF Sodexo Dining Services, West Wind Supper Club, kp's kitchen at Bayport BBQ, and Whole Earth Grocery.

Artists contributing bowls included: Doug Johnson, S.C. Rolf, Doug Peterson, Bob Brodersen, Wendy Olson, Ben Gavin, Jay Jensen, Jennifer King, Michael Luethmers, Steve Zalusky, Scott Zeinert, Randy  Johnston, Jan McKeachie-Johnston, Rhonda Willers & Mike Helke classes at UWRF, Eoin Breadon’s advanced glass studio class at UWRF, Anne Buchholz’s class at the Renaissance Academy, River Falls High School pottery classes taught by Gina Pedriana-Basche, and Kelyn King’s class at Meyer Middle School.

“This was a great event – not only for the dollars it raised to support BRIDGE programs, but also for the visibility it provided to its important work of bringing families, educators, the business community and the public together around people with disabilities,” said Ginny Ballantine, BRIDGE marketing manager.

For more information on BRIDGE for Community Life, Inc., visit bridgeywd.org. Additional information about Bowls for Hope, including an archive of past events, may be found at www.uwrf.edu/BowlsForHope.