In a perfect alliance of fundraiser and the message it seeks to convey, Empty Bowls will call attention to the ongoing problem of hunger in our community in February.

The event, a fundraiser for Neighborhood Services and the Oxford Arts Alliance, calls on community members to share a simple meal of bread and soup as a reminder that families in southern Chester County are sometimes just a paycheck away from going hungry.

The event begins on Jan. 30 and 31, when plain bisqueware soup bowls can be painted by donors at the Arts Alliance. After the painting is done, a lunch will be served. Tickets are $20. Register in advance for sessions on Jan. 30 from 4 to 8 p.m., or on Jan. 31 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All ages are welcome to participate.

The bowls will be ready to be used at a Feb. 21 Empty Bowls Luncheon, to be held at the Union Fire Company Memorial Hall (315 Market St., Oxford) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Patrons can fill their bowls with soup, or simply come to the luncheon for a donation of $20. During the meal, there will be live music performed by students and instructors from the Arts Alliance.

Supporters of the Empty Bowls event include Dansko, El Mundalito Restaurant, Flower Foods, the Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant, La Sicilia Pasta Pizza and Grille, Peppercorns Catering and Shoemaker Dairy. The funds raised will support community outreach programs offered through Neighborhood Services, as well as arts programs offered through the Arts Alliance.

For more information, visit www.oxfordart.org.

To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, e-mail [email protected].