For three decades Monument Hills Kiwanis Club (MHKC) has managed the Empty Bowls fundraising dinner to benefit Tri-Lakes Cares (tri-lakescares.org)—a community-based, volunteer-supported, resource center whose purpose is to improve people’s lives through emergency, self-sufficiency and relief programs. Dwindling attendance has precipitated a difficult decision to make this the final event. It will be held at Lewis Palmer High School on October 14 from 5:00 to 7:30 PM.

At its height the dinner and silent auction (managed jointly by MHKC and Tri-Lakes Cares) combined to net $20,000 a year towards meeting Tri-Lakes Cares operating expenses.

In 1992 local potters Anne Shimek and Linda Pankratz organized local clubs to sponsor the Tri-Lakes event.  Four years later, Monument Hill Sertoma (now Monument Hill Kiwanis) stepped up to manage the event along with their Serteen Club (now Kiwanis SLP clubs), composed of District 38 high school students.  Since 1998, the event has been held in Lewis-Palmer High School where students from several SLP Clubs staffed functions critical to the event’s success.

Ticket price is $25 per person ($30 at the door).  Tickets may be purchased at the Kiwanis website (MHKiwanis.org). To facilitate family participation, one child under the age of 12 is admitted free with a ticket holding adult.  In addition to a hand-made bowl, patrons are provided a meal of soup, bread, beverage and dessert which are provided by donations from local restaurants, merchants, clubs, and churches.

Over the years, the number of bowls required has increased to 1,000 to match attendance. Many of the bowls were produced, start to finish at Clay N Colors, managed by Dusty Severn.

MHKC has appreciated the support of the Tri-Lakes Women’s Club, District 38 and all the local restaurants and businesses who enthusiastically supported this effort.