The University of Tennessee at Martin’s 18<sup>th</sup> annual Empty Bowls fundraiser raised nearly $12,000, making it the second-largest iteration yet. Bowls were sold during the in-person event Nov. 20 and online Nov. 13-21. Empty Bowls is sponsored by UT Martin and the university’s Department of Visual and Theatre Arts.

The proceeds from the bowls went to We Care Ministries Inc., and the bowls were made by UT Martin art professor and potter David McBeth, his students and other volunteers. McBeth founded the event in 2003 and has grown into an annual event, so far raising more than $125,000 for the Martin community.

“In these uncertain times, it is so heartwarming the way the campus and city have come together to support the We Care Ministries food bank and hunger relief mission,” said McBeth.

We Care Ministries was founded in 1973 and receives no government funding. All monetary donations are used to assist Weakley County families through 11 assistance programs that include the food bank, education and literacy, childcare and direct aid.

Information about the Empty Bowls fundraiser is available at www.martinemptybowls.com and www.facebook.com/martinemptybowls. McBeth can be reached at <a href="mailto:dmcbeth@utm.edu">dmcbeth@utm.edu</a> or 731-881-7416.
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