In 1990, a high school art teacher in Michigan decided to help his students search for a creative way to raise funds for a food drive. What they came up with was a blend of art, philanthropy and education, as they embarked on a class project to make ceramic bowls in which to serve a meal of soup and bread to guests. The idea was that guests would purchase a unique bowl, the proceeds for which went to the food drive, and could fill it with soup — all as a reminder of world hunger. By the following year, the concept was further developed, and took on the name “Empty Bowls.” Now, more than 20 years later, Empty Bowls events are held worldwide, raising millions of dollars to combat hunger. Here in San Diego, local potters are busy creating unique bowls in all shapes and sizes, while regional restaurants are donating soups and breads for the local event on May 12 at La Jolla United Methodist Church from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guests can choose a bowl from hundreds on display for $20 and have it filled with soup. After the meal, guests can take home their bowl. All proceeds for the San Diego Empty Bowls event go to the Third Avenue Charitable Organization (TACO), which has been feeding San Diego’s hungry, homeless and elderly for nearly 40 years. La Jolla United Methodist Church is located at 6063 La Jolla Blvd. For more information, visit www.emptybowls.net o www.tacosd.org.