Annual Bowls for Hope event raises over $6,000

The University of Wisconsin-River Falls hosted the fifth annual Bowls for Hope event March 12, in the University Center, raising $6,600 for Grow to Share, 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.

Grow to Share is dedicated to bringing fresh produce, hands-on gardening experiences and educational programs to our community. More than 25,000 pounds of vegetables have been donated to area food pantries and shelters, as well as directly to families in need through a “Weekly Produce Share” program.

“We, at Grow to Share, are pleased and proud to be a part of this community,” said Grow to Share Secretary Anna Zalusky. “The funds raised will allow us to grow and improve the work we do. We are very grateful to everyone who worked to make Bowls for Hope a success. What an incredible event.”

This year’s event was a zero carbon footprint event made possible by the St. Croix Institute for Sustainable Community Development in support of Grow to Share.

For an entrance fee of $20 per adult and $5 for children 12 and under, participants at the event selected and kept a bowl that was created in ceramic and pottery classes at UWRF, River Falls High School, Meyer Middle School, the Renaissance Academy or by area artists. Attendees then sampled, at no extra charge, soups donated and served by area restaurants. Guests voted for their favorite soup of the evening and the winner was the Green Goblin Soup with Saffron Oil & Spiced Pecans from The West Wind Supper Club.

Artists contributing bowls for the event were Ingrid Bjerstedt-Rogers, Bob Brodersen, Bob Fritz, Jay Jensen, Doug Johnson, Randy Johnston, Jennifer King, Michael Luethmers, Casey Maude, Jan McKeachie-Johnston, Wendy Olson, Doug Peterson, S.C. Rolf, Joe Singewald, Steve Zalusky, Scott Zeinert, Inver Hills Community College students of Wendy Olson, Jay Jensen and Joe Singewald) Anne Buchholz’s class at the Renaissance Academy, Randy Johnston’s class at UWRF, Kelyn King’s class at Meyer Middle School and Gina Pedriana-Basche’s pottery classes at River Falls High School.

Participating restaurants providing and serving soup were Bo’s ‘N Mine, Coach’s Bar & Grill, Dish and the Spoon Café, Junior’s Bar & Restaurant, Kilkarney Hills, Paddy Ryan’s Irish Pub, Perkins Family Restaurant, River Falls Hospital Sodexo Dinning Services, South Fork Café, The West Wind Supper Club, UW-River Falls Sodexo Dining Services and Whole Earth Grocery.

Live piano music was provided by Nan Jordahl, emeritus assistant vice chancellor for academic affairs and associate professor of communicative disorders.

To date, Bowls for Hope has raised more than $27,600 for local charitable organizations. For more information, contact Mary Van Galen at mary.vangalen@uwrf.edu.