MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A local nonprofit that focuses on providing resources and assistance to Monongalia County agencies addressing food insecurity is ready to host an annual fundraiser that directly supports services within the county.
Empty Bowls Monongalia will host the 7th Annual Fall Fun Raiser on Saturday, October 11, at the West Virginia University Erickson Alumni Center starting at 5 p.m. Executive Director Jasmine Smithbauer encourages Morgantown area residents who are looking for a fun night out with a chance to win thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes by participating in fun games and a silent auction to purchase tickets starting at $150 per person that will include food, free wine and beer, and live music by West Virginia Music Hall of Famer Bob Thompson, with all proceeds going straight towards supporting the local community.
“There’s wonderful food served, there’s live music, and then towards the end there’s a live auction,” said Smithbauer. “We have all kinds of great things to bid on this year, from LASIK to car detailing services, so it’s just a fun night.”
When doors open, guests will have the opportunity to take advantage of games such as cornhole, bottle ring toss, and a Frisbee throw, which will be concluded with the auction that will take place after dinner is served. Food will be provided by catering on-site at the Erickson Alumni Center with an open bar that will be serving for the majority of the evening. According to Smithbauer, two different plate options will be available for those in attendance.
“The Erickson Alumni Center put on a great display, and we have multiple options, including some vegetarian,” said Smithbauer. “There are appetizers, there’s dessert, and there’s free wine and beer with liquor to purchase.”
All proceeds from the 7th Annual Fall Fun Raiser will go directly to Empty Bowls Monongalia and the over a dozen local agencies that are supported through food pantry and backpack programs. This includes organizations that are located in the more rural parts of Monongalia County, such as Wadestown and Blacksville, to the numerous agencies located in the Morgantown area or at Hazel’s House of Hope on Scott Avenue. With funding supporting organizations such as the Community Kitchen and the Scott’s Run Settlement House, among many others, Smithbauer hopes Morgantown area residents will want to contribute to a good cause.
“It raises money for a great cause, and all of the money that we do raise throughout the year for Empty Bowls does stay right here in Mon County,” said Smithbauer.
Tickets for the 7th Annual Empty Bowls Monongalia Fall Fun Raiser start at $150 and can be purchased online or at the door the night of the event. Tickets will include a dinner plate along with access to the open bar and a chance to participate in the games that will be located around the Erickson Alumni Center. With festivities scheduled throughout the evening, Smithbauer encourages anyone looking to do something fun while enjoying high-quality food and supporting efforts to fight food insecurity locally to purchase a ticket and join in the fun.
“Tickets can be bought at the door, or they can be purchased online at ebmon.org,” said Smithbauer.