UW-RF hosts ‘Bowls of Hope’ to combat homelessness

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UW-River Falls will host “Bowls of Hope,” a charity event benefitting Our Neighbors’ Place, at 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, in the Riverview Ballroom of the University Center.

Bowls of Hope will be held during the week of Dean Van Galen’s inauguration as UW-RF’s 18th chancellor.

Van Galen’s wife, Mary, worked with others, including River Falls Chamber of Commerce CEO Rosanne Bump, and UW-RF’s Jerry Waller and Karyn Wells, to initiate and plan the project. Organizers plan to make the event an annual opportunity for the university and the community to work together to assist a local charity.

This year, all proceeds from the event will go to Our Neighbors’ Place, a River Falls-based aid organization providing shelter and support services to homeless families and individuals of both Pierce and St. Croix counties.

“Mary and I have come to appreciate the strong relationship that exists between the university and the community, and scheduling the event during inauguration highlights that relationship,” said Van Galen. “I think it can be a model of what is possible when people work together to make a difference, this year, for Our Neighbors’ Place.”

Those who attend will select and keep a handcrafted bowl and enjoy several varieties of soup provided by The Dish & The Spoon Café, Junior’s Bar & Restaurant, Grateful Bread, Perkins Family Restaurant, South Fork Café, The West Wind Supper Club, Bo’s ’N Mine, and Sodexo Dining Services.

Bowls for the event are handmade by both local students and artists. Contributors include Robin Kelley’s pottery class at River Falls High School, Beth Kenseth’s class at Meyer Middle School, Randy Johnston’s advanced pottery class at UW-RF, and Doug Johnson, Jay Jensen, Wendy Olson, S.C. Rolf, Ingrid Bjerstedt Rogers, Diane Webster, Bob Fritz, and Bob Brodersen.

Live music by local musicians Tommy Bentz and Chris Silver and the Kinni Song Sisters will also be featured during the event.

Van Galen hopes the university community will support and reflect on the meaning of the event.

“We often think of higher education as a pathway to personal success, but it should also lead to a commitment to civic engagement and serving others,” says Van Galen.

Tickets are $20 and may be purchased in advance at the River Falls Chamber of Commerce, at Our Neighbors’ Place, or at the door.

For more information, call 425-4444 or go to www.uwrf.edu/inauguration and follow the link to Bowls of Hope.

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