WAUSAU (WAOW) -
People waited for the chance to pick out their favorite bowl, to fill it with their favorite soup.
"It's a good time and a good experience, it's just a feel good day," said Kimberly Graveen.
The 6th annual Empty Bowls event raises money for area food pantries, which in turn help local families through the holidays.
Kimberly Graveen has been coming to the event from the start and she said it's a cause that hits close to home.
"I grew up in a single parent home myself, and my mother did everything that she could for me. So if this is a chance for me to give back to somebody else as a good meal, then that's what I want to do," said Graveen.
Organizers said the significance of the bowls for this event are to remind people that there is always someone in need in Marathon County.
"Things have gotten tougher and tougher for a lot of our neighbors and friends right here in our communities," said Tom Rau.
Organizers said the need is greater than most realize and estimate 18% of the community struggles to put food on the table.
"We've seen, you know, hundreds and thousands of individuals, hundreds of families be impacted by the generosity of the people coming down to the empty bowls event," said Rau.
"Not everybody has a full bowl, especially during the holiday season, it just helps them think don't take these kind of things for granted," said Graveen.
For first time participants, the event was an eye-opening experience.
"I think it shows that people are still in need, I think it's a good way of gaining money and giving back," said Jessica Wink.
So others won't go hungry this holiday season.
