CMC Rifle ceramic students make hundreds of bowls in preparation of Grand River Health's Meals on Wheels annual fundraiser. Photo by Ben Suddendorf
10th anniversary of Empty Bowls supporting Meals on Wheels
RIFLE - Residents are invited to the 10th annual Empty Bowls on Wednesday, April 15, from 12-2 p.m. at Grand River Health in Rifle.
Organized by the Grand River Hospital District's Volunteer Association, Empty Bowls combines art and service to support older adults, homebound individuals and people with disabilities or recovering from illness.
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Grand River Meals on Wheels program, this year's event highlights a decade-long partnership with Colorado Mountain College Rifle ceramics students and instructor Michelle McCurdy, whose leadership has helped produce thousands of unique bowls over the years.
Empty Bowls' connection to CMC Rifle began in 2015 when McCurdy offered to work with her students to provide the bowls. Her father was a satisfied client of Grand River Meals on Wheels.
For $25, attendees will enjoy a delicious lunch and take home a handcrafted ceramic bowl, each symbolizing the community's fight against hunger.
Guests can fill their bowls with a choice of soups prepared by chefs at The River's Edge Café at Grand River Health and are encouraged to bring a non-perishable, healthy food item to support LIFT-UP and other local food pantries.
In addition, there will be an extensive art silent auction featuring the work of many local artists in all media forms.
Proceeds benefit Grand River Meals on Wheels. Since 2005, the program has experienced a 500% increase in healthy meals delivered from Battlement Mesa/Parachute to New Castle so people are able to stay in their homes. Nearly 28,000 meals were delivered in 2025.
Along with meals, volunteers — most of them older adults themselves — take time out of their day to provide daily wellness checks, support and a source of meaningful social interaction and companionship to recipients.
Empty Bowls will take place from 12-2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15, at the Grand River Health ballroom, 501 Airport Road, Rifle. Tickets are $25 and can be bought in advance or on the day of the event at the River's Edge Café and the Grand River Health gift shop.
For more information, call 970-625-6215.