Waste Not, the Arizona Clay Association, and the Mesa Arts Center proudly present:
Empty
Bowls
Art. Food. Community. Hope.
Because no one’s bowls should be empty.
Join us for an unforgettable celebration where art, food, and community come together to ensure fewer bowls in our community go empty.
Celebrating 40 years of rescuing good food and delivering it to nonprofit partners across the Valley.
Saturday, October 17th
Mesa Arts Center 1 East Main Street, Mesa
VIP Experience 9:00am–10:00am Community Celebration 10:00am–1:00pm
Good Food Belongs on Plates,
Not in Landfills
Every day, thousands of pounds of fresh, nutritious food are discarded while children, families, seniors, veterans, and neighbors throughout our community face hunger and food insecurity.
Waste Not bridges this gap by rescuing surplus food and delivering it — free of charge — to nonprofit organizations serving those who need it most. Through innovative partnerships, Waste Not transforms waste into nourishment, hope, and opportunity.
In partnership with the Arizona Clay Association, Empty Bowls is Waste Not’s signature community event, bringing together local artists, businesses, food donors, and community leaders to raise awareness and support for hunger relief, food rescue, and sustainable solutions to food waste.
Join us as we kick off Waste Not’s 40th Anniversary celebration. During Empty Bowls you can purchase a handcrafted bowl created by Arizona artists, share a meal, and ensure fewer bowls in our community go empty.
Saturday, October 17th
Mesa Arts Center
1 East Main Street, Mesa
VIP Experience
9:00am – 10:00am
Community Celebration
10:00am – 1:00pm
About Empty Bowls
Empty Bowls brings together artists, chefs, and community members around one idea: far too many bowls in our community are empty because of hunger and food insecurity.
100% of event proceeds support Waste Not’s food rescue and hunger relief efforts across the Valley.
In 2025, Waste Not rescued 2.95 million pounds of food, providing the equivalent of 2.46 million meals to children, families, seniors, veterans, and neighbors facing food insecurity.
Every bowl sold, every ticket bought, and every dollar donated goes to Waste Not’s mission of rescuing good food and delivering it — free of charge — to nonprofit partners throughout the Valley.
2.95 Million lbs
of food rescued in 2025
2.46 Million Meals
provided to neighbors facing food insecurity
Art.
Choose a one-of-a-kind handcrafted bowl.
Food.
Enjoy a delicious meal celebrating our local culinary community.
Community.
Connect with friends while supporting our neighbors.
Hope.
Every bowl helps fill another.
One Morning, Two Ways to Participate
VIP Experience
9:00am to 10:00am
After which we hope you will join the Community Celebration!
Join us for an inspiring VIP experience featuring stories of impact, recognition of our generous sponsors, and meaningful conversation with fellow supporters. Enjoy an exclusive first opportunity to select this year’s handcrafted bowls before the public, a behind-the-scenes tour of Mesa Arts Center, and a special commemorative gift celebrating Waste Not’s 40th Anniversary.
Community Celebration
10:00am to 1:00pm
Admission is free!
Join us as we kick off Waste Not’s 40th anniversary celebration. Browse hundreds of one-of-a-kind handcrafted bowls created by talented Arizona artists. Meet the artists, enjoy delicious food, family-friendly activities, live music, a silent auction, interactive community experiences and enter to win exciting raffle prizes. Discover how Waste Not rescues good food and delivers it free of charge to nonprofit partners across the Valley.
Tickets & Pricing
We encourage you to purchase your VIP ticket prior to October 10, because there is limited space available.
Pre-Sale Pricing
- VIP Experience — $100 first ticket, $40 each additional
The VIP Experience tickets include a handcrafted bowl, light breakfast, private tour of Mesa Arts Center, limited-edition commemorative 40th Anniversary gift, early access to preview VIP bowls, lunch, and two raffle entries.
- 40th Anniversary Bowl Experience — $40
The 40th Anniversary Bowl Experience includes a handcrafted bowl, lunch and one raffle entry.
- Lunch Only — $15
Day-of Pricing
- Handcrafted Bowl — $25
- Additional Bowl — $15
- Lunch — $20
- Raffle Ticket — $25
- Silent Auction — prices vary
Community Celebration admission is always free. Bowls, lunch, and raffle tickets can be purchased the day of the event.
Why Sponsor Empty Bowls
2025 at a Glance
2.95 m lbs Rescued – 2.45 m Meals Served – 65+ Agency Partners
Your sponsorship doesn’t just support a one-day event – every dollar raised directly fuels Waste Not’s year-round mission of rescuing good food, feeding neighbors, and building a more sustainable community.
Sponsorship Packages
—–
40 ANNIVERSARY PRESENTING SPONSOR
COMMUNITY IMPACT SPONSOR
BOWL OF HOPE SPONSOR
FRIEND OF EMPTY BOWLS
SPONSORSHIP COST COMMUNITY BENEFIT
$10,000
30,000 meals
$5,000
15,000 meals
$2,500
7,500 meals
$1,000
3,000 meals
SPEAKING OPPORTUNITY
Welcome Remarks
–
–
–
LOGO ON EVENT WEBSITE, SIGNAGE & MARKETING MATERIALS
premier with opportunity to display at the event
Prominent
Name
yes
RECOGNITION IN PRINTED PROGRAM AND EVENT SLIDES
yes
yes
yes
yes
NUMBER OF VIP EXPERIENCE TICKETS
16
10
8
4
SOCIAL MEDIA & PRESS OPPORTUNITIES
yes – dedicated opportunity
yes – shared opportunity
–
–
FEATURED IN POSTEVENT IMPACT REPORT
logo, impact, company description
logo, impact
logo
name
Can't Make It? You can ensure every neighbor has access to a fresh meal.
If your schedule does not allow you to join us on October 17th, you can still be part of our mission. A gift of any size goes directly toward rescuing food and getting it to our neighbors in need.
Questions? Please contact Mara at
Address
- Mesa Arts Center 1 East Main Street, Mesa
Reserve your bowl today!
Join us as we kick off Waste Not’s 40th Anniversary celebration!
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