Brandon Valley High art club raises $1,500 for Brandon Food Pantry with 'Empty Bowls' fundraiser

Brandon Valley High School students presented results from an "Empty Bowls" community fundraiser at the Brandon Valley School District 49-2 board meeting, saying the project raised $1,500 for the Brandon Food Pantry.

The project was led by members of the Creative Minds art club. "During this fall, we did a community project called empty bowls. So we handmade bowls and then sold them along with soup," said Emma Kramer, co‑president of the Brandon Valley Art Club Creative Minds. Kramer said buyers were allowed to eat at the event and take their purchased bowls home; the proceeds were donated to the local pantry.

Kramer said club members began throwing pottery in May 2024 in preparation and continued through the fall as new members joined. She described the event as both a community fundraiser and a way to build skills and collaboration within the club. Kramer said the club prepared roughly 100 bowls and that about 10 club members staffed the event alongside students from the food class.

Board members asked logistical questions about when the bowls were made; Kramer said much of the work happened during the club's Wednesday meetings and during students' free periods, before and after school. Kramer added the group plans to evaluate future production next year but currently uses 100 as a working benchmark.

The board and superintendent thanked the students for the project and noted the fundraiser as an example of student-led community service.

A follow-up on whether the club plans to expand production or make the event recurring was not decided at the meeting.