MESA, Arizona -- Oct. 2, 2026 -- Mesa Community College (MCC) invites the community to its annual Empty Bowls events. For $10 per person, guests receive soup, bread and a handmade bowl created by MCC ceramics students and community members. The event also features a silent auction with ceramics by some of the Valley’s most talented artists. All proceeds benefit the Paz de Cristo Community Center.
“Empty Bowls is special because it brings together art, education and community service in a way that directly benefits our neighbors,” said Laura Elder, MCC ceramics senior lab technician. “Our student artists are able to use their creativity to give back, while community members take home a one-of-a-kind handmade bowl and help support local families experiencing food insecurity. The 2025 events brought in $8,616; enough to provide for 20,514 meals at Paz de Cristo. It’s a wonderful example of how art can make a meaningful difference in our community.”
Meals are again provided by longtime Empty Bowls supporters Pita Jungle and Red White & Brew.
Tuesday, Nov. 3 -- MCC Red Mountain Campus
7110 E. McKellips Rd. (Mesquite Building, Community Room)
Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. – Soup compliments of Red, White and Brew
Tuesday, Nov. 17 -- MCC Southern and Dobson Campus
1833 W. Southern Ave. (Kirk Student Center, Navajo Room)
Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. – Soup compliments of Pita Jungle
Proceeds benefit Paz de Cristo Community Center, a nonprofit providing anti-hunger and empowerment support for people in the East Valley who are homeless, unemployed, working poor and their families. In 2025, MCC Empty Bowls events brought in more than $8,000 benefitting Paz de Cristo.
"We are incredibly grateful to the students, faculty and staff at Mesa Community College whose talent and generosity make our annual Empty Bowls event possible. Every handcrafted bowl represents compassion, creativity, and a commitment to helping neighbors in need. The $10 price of the bowl can provide 24 meals to individuals and families struggling with hunger in our community,” said Paz de Cristo Executive Director, Jackie Shelley. “As the need for the programs and services provided by Paz de Cristo continues to grow, partnerships like this are more important than ever. We simply could not do this work without Mesa Community College. The beautiful art created by MCC students and local artists helps turn empty bowls into full stomachs and hope for those we serve."
Patrons are encouraged to support MCC students in need by bringing nonperishable food and hygiene items for the Mesa Market, MCC’s on-campus food pantry. Donations will be collected during both Empty Bowls events.
Community sponsors, in addition to Pita Jungle and Red, White and Brew, include artists, organizations and businesses that donate their time and talent to help feed the hungry and homeless in the community. Friendship Village Tempe, Dobson High School, Desert Ridge High School and MCC students, faculty and lab techs created the bowls for the event and auction. Additional thanks to the volunteers from New Frontiers for Lifelong Learning for helping to serve the food and facilitating sales.
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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, 480-461-7892, [email protected]
Since 1988, Paz de Cristo has been a place of peace and hope for people struggling with hunger, poverty, and homelessness. Last year, we served more than 14,000 men, women, children, veterans, and seniors with a wide range of supportive services from a hot meal every evening to food boxes, showers, clothing, job search assistance, Arizona identification, mail service, and much more. Generous donors and volunteers fuel our mission to feed, clothe, and empower our neighbors in need in the Phoenix East Valley. Find out more about us at pazdecristo.org.
Mesa Community College (MCC) is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving more than 23,000 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 5,677 hours of community service annually. MCC serves as a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest Indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges, supporting students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education, training and undergraduate research opportunities. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu/newsroom.
MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.