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Thanks to another successful Empty Bowls fundraiser at Oakton Community College, fewer people in the community will experience hunger or food insecurity. This year's event raised more than $25,000 for local food pantries by selling more than 500 ceramic pieces as well as works of fine art. The annual event took place Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Des Plaines campus, 1600 E. Golf Road.

Over the past 16 years, Empty Bowls at Oakton has raised more than $295,000 to fight hunger. Throughout the year, members of Oakton's Ceramics Club create works of ceramic art - bowls, cups and vases - to donate to the Empty Bowls fundraiser. Patrons of the event purchased beautiful handmade pieces, enjoyed a hot bowl of soup and were entertained by uplifting music.

"Empty Bowls at Oakton is always a fun and rewarding way to assist organizations working to support the needs of our community," Oakton Chair of Art and Design Lou Pierozzi said. "It's always a pleasure and honor to connect with so many generous people willing to donate their time and talent to help the less fortunate."

The money raised at this year's Empty Bowls event will be divided among the following organizations: The Self-Help Closet & Pantry of Des Plaines, New Trier Township Food Pantry, Niles Township Food Pantry, Northfield Township Food Pantry, Maine Township Food Pantry and Interfaith Action of Evanston.

Individuals of any age interested in taking a ceramics course or joining the Ceramics Club can visit http://www.oakton.edu, contact [email protected] or call 847-635-1699.