OUR STORY
- Our Event Proceeds Go To Fighting Hunger. In 2023 Empty Bowls McKinney Raised and donated $ 85,000 To Fight Hunger In Our Community.
- We Are In Unprecedented Times And The Need For Food Is Great
- 140,000 Collin County Residents Are Food Insecure
- Nearly 9,000 McKinney Kids Will Go To Bed Hungry Tonight
- 45% Of Food Stamp Recipients Are Children
Our Mission
To hold an annual community event featuring local artisans and food purveyors that raises money and awareness to support non-profit organizations that directly address hunger in our community.
The Little Free Pantry
Mission:
McKinney Little Free Pantry serves as a vehicle to share the overwhelming abundance in Collin County with those in need in our community. The pantry wants to provide non-perishable food, toiletries and basic life necessities with respect, love and dignity for shoppers and donors alike.
History
For the past 13 years, Empty Bowls McKinney attendees have gathered to select a hand-made ceramic bowls, sample food from local restaurants, and raise money to fight food insecurity in their community.
Local artists donate handmade bowls that are a key part of the annual event, which takes place on the square in downtown McKinney. Included in the cost of admission is a bowl for every guest to take home. There are also larger bowls that are part of the silent auction and raffle. Each bowl has a card inside that reads, “This bowl is a reminder to pray for those in the world with empty bowls due to hunger.”
The Team
Becky Aly – Co-Chair, Vendor Contact, Marketing — vendors@emptybowlsmckinney.com
Molly Jones – Co-Chair Sponsors, Marketing — Sponsors@emptybowlsmckinney.com
Karen Friedland – Artist coordinator — Karen@emptybowlsmckinney.com
Mark McElhinny – Event coordinator — Facilities@emptybowlsmckinney.com
Chris Teague – Online Auction Coordinator — Auction@emptybowlsmckinney.com
Our team is made up of dedicated volunteers, artisans and community partners all working toward the goal of fighting hunger and raising awareness of food insecurity in the community.
Our History: In 2011 a small group from St.Peter’s Episcopal church were looking to raise money to buy Easter Hams for community Easter baskets. They held the first event loosely patterned on the grassroots national fundraiser called Empty Bowls.
Frequently Asked Question
Yes! Volunteers are needed for jobs before, during and after the event. Check the home page in March for the opportunity to sign up!
Wine and beer are available for cash only. The Raffle and Voting for People’s Choice Award is with cash. All other purchases need to be made by credit.
There is an ATM machine located on the lower level of MPAC, McKinney Performing Arts Center.
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- General Admission tickets are $35. They allow entry at 6:00pm to choose handmade bowl & sample soups from local vendors.
- A limited number of VIP Collector’s Club tickets are $125 in advance. Participants will have early entry to the event at 5:30 pm. and choose from a selection of exclusive Collector’s Club 2024 edition bowls.
Empty Bowls McKinney is held at the McKinney Performing Arts Center in downtown McKinney (111 N. Tennessee St.).
Our event benefits hunger initiatives at Community Lifeline Center, Community Garden Kitchen and Little Free Pantry
You can buy handmade bowls, raffle tickets, event t-shirts, and more!