Still recovering from the aftermath of the devastating storm Helene, local ceramic
artists will once again fire up their kilns for the eighth year to help hungry children in the greater Flat Rock
area. On Sunday, May 18, 2025, “Empty Bowls,” a community meal benefiting the Flat Rock Backpack
Program, will take place in the Parish Hall at the Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness.
Advance tickets are strongly recommended for the two seatings: 12:00pm-2:00pm and 4:00pm-6:00pm.
Each ticket includes one hand-crafted bowl donated by area potters, a soup-based meal, with soups and
breads donated by local restaurants and bakers, plus homemade cookies baked by church members. For
those wishing to eat at home, take-away is an available option.
Tickets are $30 per person or $50 for a family of two adults and children under 12. Tickets are available for
purchase online at www.stjohnflatrock.org/empty-bowls.
“Hurricane Helene dealt a major blow to our area. All of our support system—the potters, food vendors, and
sponsors—were all impacted, as was MANNA FoodBank, our main source of food for the Flat Rock
Backpack Program,” said Debby Staton, Flat Rock Backpack Program Coordinator. “Needless to say, the
students we serve were also affected. We are deeply appreciative of our community who keep us on their
radar, always willing to pitch in as we continue meeting the needs of those who are “food insecure.”
Please join us for this fun community event. Donations are gratefully accepted throughout the year. The Flat
Rock Backpack Program has 501c-3 status. 100% of the money collected goes to feeding at least 150
children in eight schools every weekend.
The Parish Hall is located across the street from the church at 1905 Greenville Highway. For more
information write to emptybowls@stjohnflatrock.org or visit www.stjohnflatrock.org.
