By Adam Hocking

Editor

MARSHFIELD — Lines were long as hundreds packed into Hotel Marshfield throughout the day on Saturday, March 14, to support Empty Bowls, the main yearly fundraiser for local food pantry and clothes closet Soup or Socks.

Attendees paid $10 and were given clay bowls to take home with them as a reminder that many face the prospect of hunger on a daily basis. The bowls were made and donated by numerous groups in the community, including many local schools and the Chestnut Center for the Arts. Also donated by numerous area restaurants was the soup that was served throughout the day. Hotel Marshfield donated the use of their facility for the day as well.

In addition to serving soup, there were raffle prizes to be won and activities for children. All of the money raised at the event goes directly to Soup or Socks.

“We can’t thank Hotel Marshfield enough for donating this facility for us today. We’re hoping to make a lot of money for Soup or Socks,” said Cheryl Lewis Hartl, director of Soup or Socks, to the massive group of people who packed into Hotel Marshfield’s conference room to eat, socialize, and support the fight against hunger.

Darrel Winkel, a Hewitt resident, said that he was attending Empty Bowls for his second year in a row and that he liked giving something back to those in need.

“What I enjoy is donating, being able to help other people out. I think that’s one of the main things,” Winkel said.

Lewis Hartl estimated that 800 people attended Empty Bowls this year. Last year the event raised $13,000, and this year, while without an exact number yet, Lewis Hartl said she believes the event generated over $13,000.