CEO Class Pitches In for a Community Cause

This morning, CEO students spent their session giving back through a hands-on service project. They volunteered to help set up for Empty Bowls: Kankakee County, a fundraiser supporting several local food pantries. The event is organized by CEO program facilitator Katie Bretzlaff through her business, Hedgeapple Arts, alongside a dedicated team of community partners. This year's event is set to raise nearly $10,000 for food pantries right here in Kankakee County!

Empty Bowls is a community fundraiser where guests choose a handcrafted pottery bowl and enjoy a simple meal of soup and bread, with all proceeds supporting local food pantries. The “empty bowl” guests take home serves as a reminder that there are many who live with food insecurity.

Artists, businesses, and volunteers come together to create and donate the bowls, organize the event, and raise awareness about food insecurity in our region. It’s a meaningful tradition that blends art, generosity, and community care, showing students firsthand how local efforts can make a real difference.