Carson City Residents Raised Funds With Empty Bowls
The annual community event at Carson Mall supported the food closet at Friends in Helping Service.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Carson City residents gathered at the Carson Mall for the annual Empty Bowls fundraiser. The event, which supports the Friends in Helping Service food closet, drew approximately 500 attendees.
Why it matters
The project aims to raise both funds and awareness for local food insecurity. Organizers moved the fundraiser to October this year to avoid potential scheduling conflicts during the busy holiday season.
Approximately 20 local restaurants contributed 110 gallons of soup to the fundraiser. Each of the 700 to 800 pottery bowls sold provides enough support to feed 10 people.
The players
Friends in Helping Service
This organization operates a local food closet and manages a $2.5 million annual budget to support community members.
Ogres-Holm Pottery
This local pottery studio hosts production days to facilitate the creation of bowls used in the annual fundraiser.
The details
Participants supported the cause by purchasing handcrafted pottery bowls created by local families, school groups, and children. The initiative relies on production days held every other Thursday at Ogres-Holm Pottery to ensure sufficient inventory for the sale.
Timeline
The Empty Bowls project began in 2012.
The fundraiser took place at the Carson Mall on October 10, 2026.
Market Landscape
This event reflects the ongoing trend of community-based fundraising initiatives that leverage local partnerships to address regional social needs. By integrating local businesses and artisanal production, the project strengthens the philanthropic ecosystem within the Carson City area.
Residents who purchased a bowl directly contributed to feeding local community members through the food closet. The shift in event timing to October may change future expectations for those planning to participate in the fundraiser.
The takeaway
Small-scale, community-driven projects can have a measurable impact on local food security by connecting local artisans with charitable missions. Residents interested in supporting the cause can look for future bowl production opportunities at local studios throughout the year.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to support those in need in the Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Carson Now.
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