Bowls were filled, hearts were full, and the community showed up in a powerful way as In His Name–Colleton hosted its annual Empty Bowls fundraiser last Wednesday. The event drew a large crowd for both lunch and dinner, offering good food, handcrafted art, and compassionate giving.
In 2021, Feeding America reported that more than 6,000 people faced food insecurity in Colleton County. In 2024, In His Name–Colleton assisted over 700 individuals with immediate needs and supportive services and provided more than 7,000 meals to those facing hunger—all made possible through God’s blessings and the generosity of our community.
While bowls were not produced this past year, In His Name–Colleton used handmade bowls left from the 2023 Empty Bowls event, as well as bowls donated from previous years, ensuring guests could still take home a symbolic reminder of those who live with empty bowls in our community. Attendees enjoyed a wide variety of homemade soups, breads, and desserts prepared by community members, churches, restaurants, and volunteers.
“Our community never fails to show up for our neighbors in need,” said Executive Director Amanda Herndon. “Empty Bowls is a reminder that when we come together—artists, cooks, volunteers, donors—we can make a real difference for families facing hunger in Colleton County.”
Funds raised from the event directly support In His Name–Colleton’s mission to provide food, hygiene items, hot meals, case management, and support services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or food insecurity. So far this year, the nonprofit has served hundreds of residents and prepared thousands of meals for those facing hunger.
The event also featured special guests, speakers, and musical entertainment, making it a meaningful gathering that blended creativity with community compassion.
On behalf of our Board of Directors and Executive Director, we would like to thank our Fundraising Committee for their tireless work and dedication in making this event possible.
“Our team poured their hearts into this event because we believe no one in Colleton County should go hungry,” said Fundraising and Board Chair, Jenice Massalon. “Seeing our community come together with such generosity reminds us why this work matters. Every bowl, every donation, every pot of soup helps change someone’s life.”
In His Name–Colleton extended heartfelt thanks to the Colleton County Arts Council, the South Carolina Artisans Center, all soup and dessert makers, bread providers, and the many volunteers who dedicated their time to make the event a success.
As Herndon shared, “Empty Bowls isn’t just a fundraiser—it’s a reminder that no one in our community should have to face an empty bowl.”
Thank you to our speakers and musical entertainment:
Pastor Nick Fox, Pastor Eric Campbell, Minister Anna Stevens Bright, Gina Parker (Pillars 4 Hope), Mr. Hiram Davis & the Allendale–Fairfax Middle and High School Chorus, Brother Jim Hadley (Folk Gospel Music), Rev. Angela Ford Broughton, Forest Hills Elementary Choir, Minister Brandon Williams, and Pastor Jaquan Hamilton. Thank you to Scott and Sonya Grooms for managing the outside sound system and Becky Roy Photograhpy for capturing special moments during our dinner session.
Thank you to our event sponsors:
HCA Healthcare Colleton Hospital, Walterboro First Baptist Church, Genesis Healthcare, Lowcountry Collision, AgSouth, Rice Festival, Edwards Insurance Agency, Rehoboth Methodist Church, State Farm – Jennifer Ortiz Insurance Agency, Parker Law Group LLP, Rice Festival, H & H Electrical Service LLC, Cook Design Studio, and J.H. Hiers Construction.
Thank you to our Dessert Sponsors:
Sugar B's Bakeshop, Em's Sweets, Crosby Creations, Lizzie's Sweets n Eats, Katie Davis Godley, Ginger Garner, St. Peter's AME, Jada Williams, Hazel Risher, and Martha Johnson.
Thank you to our Soup Sponsors:
Olde House Café, Thunderbolt Career & Technology Center, Bethlehem Baptist Church, St. Peter's AME Church, New Life UMC, North Walterboro Christian Academy, Bethel Presbyterian Women’s Group, Ashton Baptist Church, Pastor Gary Finch, Cassandra Waddell, Brenda O'Connor, Ken and Tonya Bowen, Carol Haun, and Harriett Davis.
Thank you to our Silent Auction donors:
Colleton Coffee, Hairtage Salon, Maya DeSantis Nails, Kara Elise Photography, Sugar B's Bakeshop, Coastal Beauty Co., Lowcountry Nutrition, Colleton County Chamber of Commerce, Micki Avant, Infinger's Jewelry, Treasure Chest, Blocker Boys, Petal Palace, Linda Jamison, and TCTC Shop Class.
