Kokomo Urban Outreach’s Empty Bowl raises needed funds

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Building a stronger community, one word at a time.

Kokomo Urban Outreach has a new home at Main Street United Methodist Church. It has a new direction with its “Unleashing Potential” UP program, teaching kids ethics in work and life. And it recently showed off the latest array of hand-painted bowls and plates for its annual Empty Bowl fundraiser.

The event, which sported a lunchtime and an afternoon session, drew crowds of well-wishers, donors, art aficionados, and soup lovers. In exchange for a freewill donation, visitors received a bowl painted by a child participating in KUO’s UP or MiniUp programs. And at the afternoon session, a series of plates painted by “celebrities” from the local community were auctioned off for KUO’s benefit.

Unlike the 2024 edition of Empty Bowl, which came with a bit of drama and strong competition amongst the celebrities, this year’s meal and auction was more subdued and artistic. In addition to the plates that were auctioned, a special piece of art that was created live during the event by local painter Shenandoah Stipe also went to the highest bidder.

And in an act of great generosity, the winning bidder donated Stipe’s work back to KUO to be auctioned again.

Deanna Ancil, director of administration and development at KUO, was grateful to all who participated, whether by creating art, donating items, or bidding and giving generously through the fundraiser.

“The impact you have is great,” Ancil said to the many in attendance. “We'd like to thank everybody who participated and who's here this evening.”

Ancil announced the winners of the many silent auction items that were available for bids throughout the day. The items included a handmade quilt, a photography session, a carpet cleaning from King's Cleaning Solutions, a gift basket, gift cards, and concert tickets.

Ancil also took time to explain the importance of a particular bowl, which returned to be auctioned for a fourth year in a row.

“This bowl was painted in memory of Presley Dennis several years ago, and her parents Marla and JR have given it back each year,” said Ancil. “It's something that has raised a lot of money over several years, so we're grateful for all of those who have purchased it and donated it back to us.”

With the introductions complete and the silent auction items awarded, Ancil turned the event over to auctioneer Joe Martino for the main event, as the celebrity bowls went up for bids. As has been the case each year, the bidding was robust and filled with humor and a bit of excitement.

In the end, thousands of dollars were raised for KUO, and several went home with new treasures. Martino, in particular, is amazed by KUO’s ongoing mission and the success it sees in the many children who find success as they become adults.

“When people are helped, and they grow up knowing they had some help from people in the community pouring into them, they are able to pour back into the community and help the community as well,” said Martino. “The more we can pour into these children, these empty bowls, and fill them up, they, in turn, grow up and help others. It's like a perpetual fountain that keeps pouring in and helping people for generations to come.”

Kokomo Urban Outreach is a nonprofit dedicated to educating children and instilling a good work ethic and life skills in them so that they become self-reliant and successful adults. For additional information about its programs, visit www.kokomourbanoutreach.org.