Scenic City Clay Arts (SCCA) and Be the Change Youth Initiative (BTCYI) are teaming up for the second annual Empty Bowls of Chattanooga on November 13, 2024. Empty Bowls is an international initiative aimed at tackling food insecurity at the community level. SCCA and BTCYI use Empty Bowls to address issues of youth food insecurity in Chattanooga, and this year, we’re raising funds to help families accruing food debt in Hamilton County Schools. 50% of the funds raised will be directed to the HCS lunch debt, with the other 50% being split between SCCA and BTCYI.

This event came from one shared vision: building community. Last year, SCCA and BTCYI raised more than $1,600 to help build out a pantry at Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy, with tickets selling out within 48 hours. After meeting with students, parents, teachers, and administrators, we learned there was one major issue students faced: food insecurity. That's why we're partnering up to establish a lunch fund for Hamilton County students whose families are facing financial hardships. We hope you'll join us for a night full of community-building, friendship, and love!

Tickets are $75.00 and include dinner, dessert, and a ceramic bowl crafted by a local potter.

Event Highlights:

Handcrafted Bowls: Choose from a wide selection of unique ceramic bowls made by local artists, potters, and students.
Delicious Food: Enjoy a variety of soups, salads, breads, and desserts generously donated by Chattanooga's favorite local restaurants and chefs, including Mac’s Kitchen and Bar, The Spice Trail, Clever Alehouse, Niedlov’s, Carving Rock Kitchen, The Better Bakery, and Nothing Bundt Cakes.
Community Engagement: Learn more about food insecurity in our community and how you can make a difference.
Live Entertainment: Our emcee for the evening will be local podcaster, Malcolm Harris, with live music from indie duo In The Company Of Wolves.

About Scenic City Clay Arts: SCCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit ceramics organization sharing access to all things clay through collaborative education in a community studio. Each year, more than 2,700 people experience the joy of clay at SCCA through low-cost memberships, outreach programs, and classes. Learn more at https://www.sceniccityclayarts.org/

About Be the Change Youth Initiative: BTCYI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocacy organization that believes all youth should be SEEN, HEARD, and LOVED. Driven by a commitment to encourage youth towards positive mental health, BTCYI educates, equips, and empowers the next generation to become advocates for their communities through personal engagement and collaboration as they Share Stories, Extend Compassion, and Take Action. You can learn more at https://www.bethechangeyi.com/

Empty Bowls wouldn't be possible without our incredible sponsors! Thank you to:

Empty Bowls 2024

Team Members