Union Students prepare to serve chili at the Empty Bowls Project on Sunday, April 25
More than 200 Union College students, staff, and faculty joined community members at Proctors GE Theatre last Sunday to take action against hunger in the local community.
The evening of music, art and food raised more than $3,000 for programs that alleviate hunger at the City Mission of Schenectady and Bethesda House.
Participants chose and kept a ceramic bowl made by students from the College and Schenectady City Schools. The empty bowl serves as a symbol for hunger.
"The event was amazing. Union played a key role, with Union students comprising the entire organizing committee," said Don Austin, assistant director of Kenney Center programs, who advised the committee.
In addition, students created the ceramic bowls, donated art, designed advertisements, and prepared and served meals. The Eliphalets and the Dutch Pipers, two Union a capella groups, provided entertainment.
The event, the first of its kind for Schenectady, is part of an ongoing effort by the Kenney Community Center and various student groups to create more understanding and familiarity between students and community members.
“The local community sometimes perceives the typical Union student as not caring,” said Jackie Litvak '12, Empty Bowls organizer. “Having Union students run and plan events like these will change this perception and strengthen the ties between Union and Schenectady."