WATSONVILLE — Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes will host its 14th annual Empty Bowls dinner and auction Saturday, Sept. 9 from 5-9 p.m. at the Lagoon House at Pajaro Dunes.
Each guest will select a one-of-a-kind “empty bowl” donated by a local ceramics artist, as a symbol of Loaves and Fishes’ mission to alleviate hunger in the community.
Attendees will enjoy live mariachi music from local guitarist duo Los Hermanos Postizos, local beer and wine, gourmet appetizers, a trio of soups (including authentic homemade pozole and albondigas soups, along with a vegetarian option), and dessert.
The soups and salad for the evening will be prepared by Loaves and Fishes chef Maria Gonzalez and volunteer chef Patrick Sigler with local ingredients; Monterey Bay Caterers will provide a selection of appetizers and desserts. The event will feature live and silent auctions, as well as a raffle.
Event tickets are $80 each and can be purchased at www.pvloavesandfishes.org/emptybowls or by mailing a check to PV Loaves & Fishes at 150 Second St., Watsonville, CA 95076.
The event raises 25 percent of the organization’s annual operating budget, sustaining its food assistance programs year-round.
Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes is open Monday through Friday every week of the year including holidays. Last year, its staff and more than 400 volunteers prepared and served more than 25,000 hot lunches and 5,000 second helpings. Their pantry received nearly 8,000 visits and provided groceries and fresh fruits and vegetables to individuals and families in need. Half of those served are farm workers and their families.
For information about Empty Bowls or Loaves and Fishes, contact Executive Director Brooke Sampson at 722-4144 or visit www.pvloavesandfishes.org.
