10/13: Empty Bowls, Full Hearts

The YMCA at Virginia Tech invites community members to gather for the 4th Annual Y Empty Bowls Event on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at The Y Center, 1000 N. Main Street, Blacksburg.

This beloved community event benefits the YMCA at Virginia Tech’s Meals On Main program, which helps provide nutritious meals to children throughout the New River Valley experiencing food insecurity.

Guests will enjoy a variety of handcrafted soups prepared by local restaurant partners, live music by Dean Trimble, handcrafted pottery, and an opportunity to connect with friends and neighbors while supporting a meaningful cause.

Participating restaurants and featured soups include:
Our Daily Bread – Creamy Beef Marsala with Wild Mushrooms
Blue Ridge Mountain Catering – Featured soup coming soon
Bull & Bones – Cam’s Brunswick Stew, a sweet and hearty tomato-based stew with pork and chicken
Next Door Bake Shop – Thai Red Curry with Chicken
YMCA Food Truck – Albondigas Soup, a traditional vegetable soup with beef meatballs served on the side, with a vegetarian option available
As part of the Empty Bowls tradition, each guest will have the opportunity to select a handcrafted ceramic bowl to take home. The bowls serve as a reminder that while many tables are full, too many children and families in our community continue to struggle with hunger.

The bowls have been created and generously donated by members of the YMCA Pottery Studio, whose artistry and generosity help make this event possible.

“Empty Bowls is a powerful reminder that hunger exists in our own community, but it’s also a celebration of what happens when neighbors come together to help,” said Laureen Blakemore, Director of Community Engagement at the YMCA at Virginia Tech. “Every ticket purchased, every bowl donated, and every bowl of soup shared helps us provide nutritious meals to children and families across the New River Valley. Together, we can turn an evening of community into lasting impact.”

The evening celebrates the power of neighbors coming together to support local children and families. Every bowl tells a story, and every ticket helps provide meals for children in need.
All proceeds benefit YMCA programs that provide food assistance to families facing food insecurity throughout the New River Valley.

Tickets and additional event information are available at https://vtymca.org/y-empty-bowls/

Event Details
What: 4th Annual Y Empty Bowls Event
When: Tuesday, October 13, 2026 | 5:30–8:00 p.m.
Where: The Y Center, 1000 N. Main Street, Blacksburg, VA 24060