The 5Cities Homeless Coalition's Empty Bowls Community Luncheon raised more than $41,000 for the organization last month.
The charitable event provided a meal of soup paired with fresh baked bread served in handmade ceramic bowls.
The coalition says more than 800 people attended the annual fundraiser at St. Patrick's Church in Arroyo Grande, consuming 120 gallons of soup and 50 loaves of bread all provided by local restaurants and bakeries.
Money raised at the event helps support the 5Cities Homeless Coalition's programs and services.
"Our challenge is to continue to provide help to our neighbors in need while we are experiencing dramatic increases in requests," said Mike Byrd, 5Cities Homeless Coalition Board President. "Empty Bowls also helps raise awareness about issues surrounding homelessness: increasing rents, the high cost of living in the area, and finding a living-wage job to be able to pay for housing."
At last year's Empty Bowls event, the coalition raised about $44,000.
