Empty Bowls at Mesa Community College

MESA, Arizona -- Oct. 20, 2025 -- Mesa Community College (MCC) invites the community to its annual Empty Bowls events. For a $10 donation, patrons receive a one-of-a-kind handcrafted ceramic bowl along with a meal of soup and bread. There will also be a silent auction featuring ceramics by some of the Valley’s most talented artists. All proceeds benefit the Paz de Cristo Community Center.

Wednesday, Nov. 5 -- MCC Red Mountain Campus
7110 E. McKellips Rd. (Mesquite Building, Community Room)
Hours: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 12 -- MCC Southern and Dobson Campus
1833 W. Southern Ave., (Kirk Student Center, Navajo Room)
Hours: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

“Attending the Empty Bowls event is a great way to give to those in need. Each bowl is a unique keepsake that when purchased fights hunger right here in our community” explained Laura Elder, MCC ceramics senior lab technician. “All proceeds benefit Paz De Cristo Community Center, a nonprofit providing anti-hunger and empowerment support for the East Valley's homeless, unemployed, working poor and their families.”

John Farley, Paz De Cristo’s director of food services, says "I get excited every fall to team up with MCC for the Empty Bowls event. It is so fun to see everyone shop for the bowls they are looking for, but in reality, the bowl always chooses them. I encourage anyone who has not experienced Empty Bowls to come check it out and bring a friend. You'll leave with a belly full of soup and a beautiful bowl, all while making a positive impact for our community." 

During the events, the Mesa Market, MCC’s on-campus food pantry, is also collecting donations of nonperishable food and hygiene items for MCC students in need.

Gratitude is extended to the artists, organizations and businesses that donate their time and talent to help feed the hungry and homeless in our community. This year’s sponsors include Laguna Clay, Mesa Arts Center, MCC Art Department, Pita Jungle, Red White & Brew, Friendship Village Tempe, Dobson High School and Desert Ridge High School. Additional thanks to the volunteers from New Frontiers for Lifelong Learning. 

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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, 480-461-7892, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu

Since 1988, Paz de Cristo has been a place of peace and hope for people struggling with hunger, poverty, and homelessness. Last year, we served more than 12,000 men, women, children, veterans, and seniors with a wide range of supportive services from a hot meal every evening to food boxes, showers, clothing, job search assistance, Arizona identification, mail service, and much more. Generous donors and volunteers fuel our mission to Feed, Clothe, and Empower our neighbors in need in the Phoenix East Valley. Find out more about us at pazdecristo.org.

Mesa Community College (MCC), which is celebrating its 60th anniversary during 2025, is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving more than 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. MCC serves as a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest Indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges, supporting students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education, training and undergraduate research opportunities. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu/newsroom.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.