MESA, Arizona -- Oct. 1, 2015 -- The community is invited to participate in Mesa Community College’s (MCC) Empty Bowls art charity events at both MCC campuses in observance of World Food Day (Oct. 16, 2015). For a $10 donation patrons may select a one-of-a-kind handcrafted ceramic bowl and receive a modest, yet delicious, meal of soup and bread.
2015 Empty Bowls Flyer
For more than two decades MCC’s Art Department, in collaboration with local businesses, schools and community groups, has offered Empty Bowls as a way to garner support for a national movement to feed the hungry and homeless. All proceeds from MCC Empty Bowls events directly benefit those served by Paz de Cristo Community Center, the nonprofit providing anti-hunger and empowerment support for the East Valley's homeless, unemployed, working poor and their families.
“Paz de Christo is a very worthwhile, community-based interfaith charity,” said Linda Speranza, MCC Art Faculty. “100 percent of our proceeds go to Paz.”
Last year, the collaboration of MCC students, local businesses and community partners raised more than $16,000 which was used by Paz de Cristo to provide over 100,000 meals to the disadvantaged in the Phoenix East Valley. Organizers hope to exceed what was raised last year at each campus.
“During this past year, Paz de Cristo served over 86,000 evening meals and provided almost 14,000 food boxes to families in Mesa and the East Valley,” said Paz de Cristo Director Arlen Westling. “In addition, 885 people took advantage of our clothing hand outs and over 700 individuals utilized our shower program. We also provided numerous Arizona I.D. vouchers, birth certificates, bus tickets, diapers, personal care items and hygiene products.
“Above all, we are heartened by our Career Employment Opportunity (CEO) program results. This past year 570 individuals made 1070 visits to our jobs center to get assistance with resumes, jobs searches, job leads and one-on-one coaching from our staff and volunteers. Many of these individuals are getting good jobs and most are keeping the jobs they get!”
Wednesday, Oct. 21 at MCC’s Southern and Dobson Campus
1833 W. Southern, Ave., (Center Courtyard)
Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 3 at MCC’s Red Mountain Campus
7110 E. McKellips Rd. (Mesquite Building, Community Room)
Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m.
Local performing artists will perform during Empty Bowls at MCC’s Southern and Dobson campus: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., with Ken Feighner, Bagpiper; and 5-8 p.m., with Carol Pacey & The Honey Shakers.
We thank all of the wonderful ceramics students who donate their time and talent and the local organizations that make contributions to help feed the hungry and homeless in our community.
This year’s sponsors include: Pita Jungle, Red, White & Brew, T.C. Eggingtons, Carol Pacey & The Honey Shakers, Ken Feighner, Laguna Clay Company, Marjon Ceramics, Mesa Arts Center, MCC Art Department, New Frontiers, Northern Arizona University-Mesa Campus, Dobson High School, Dreamland Villa’s Ceramic Chaos, Golden Vista RV Resort Ceramics Club and Ricoh.
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Contact Dawn Zimmer, (480) 461-7892, Dawn.Zimmer@mesacc.edu
About Paz de Cristo Community Center
Paz de Cristo empowers its guests to reach their full potential by removing barriers so they may become more self-sufficient. Paz de Cristo exists to help them achieve self-reliance, pride and self-respect. In turn, this leads to improved economic standing, respect for others, and citizenship participation. Learn more online at http://pazdecristo.org.
About Mesa Community College
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for its service-learning, civic engagement and innovative educational programs, which include university transfer, career and technical, workforce development, and life-long learning. Host to 40,000 students annually, MCC offers more than 195 degrees and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. MCC’s student body hails predominantly from the East Valley of Phoenix and includes Veteran, American Indian and International students who enrich the learning experience. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to compete locally and globally. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2015, MCC is one of 10 colleges that comprise the Maricopa County Community College District. The District also includes the Maricopa Corporate College and two skill centers. For additional information, visit mesacc.edu.
About Mesa Community College’s Art Program
Learning to create effective art and design can be challenging in a variety of different ways. The fully accredited MCC Art Department has highly qualified professors who understand these challenges and inspires students to reach their greatest creative potential and sharpen their artistic skill set. Whether a student is seeking a degree, planning to transfer to a university, or taking classes for personal or professional enrichment, the Art Department can help students reach their goals. MCC features degree tracks, certificates, and courses in drawing, painting, ceramics, design, art history, computer graphics, and photography. For more information, visithttps://www.mesacc.edu/departments/art.
Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) http://www.ncahlc.org, 800-621-7440.
The Maricopa County Community College District is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.