The Third Annual Empty Bowls Alpena is Sunday at Alpena Senior Citizens Center, 501 River St. For a minimum donation of $5 per person, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., all members of the community are invited to partake in this fundraiser to help the hungry in the Alpena area. A variety of soups, breads and desserts will be offered, thanks to the generosity of area restaurants.

The senior center partnered with Cobbygoose to make this third annual event happen.

For the last several months, community members have been dropping in at Cobbygoose in the Alpena Mall to paint ceramic bowls in a wide variety of colors and patterns, all for the Empty Bowls event. About 150 bowls have been painted, so the first 150 people who purchase tickets will be guaranteed a hand-painted bowl. All others are welcome to partake of soup, bread and desserts for a donation of $5 or more, but they will not be able to take a bowl home if the supply has run out.

“The event is basically to raise funds for those organizations in our community that work with people and hunger issues,” said Alpena Senior Citizens Center Director Annie Hepburn. “We are encouraging people to get their tickets ahead.”

The event will feature a bake sale, a 50/50 drawing, and a choice raffle of unique bowls made by local artists.

Restaurants donating soup include Hungry Hippie, CW’s, Nick’s Diner, Connie’s Cafe, and more. The senior center will provide homemade rolls and desserts.

“We are making a Russian soup and an egg-drop soup, as well as our bakery is doing the rolls,” Hepburn said.

Carole Cadarette will offer musical entertainment for the event, which takes the place of this month’s Sunday lunch.

“It is open to the public,” Hepburn added. “You do not have to be a senior to attend.”

For tickets, call the senior center at 989-356-3585. Pick up and pay for tickets at the center, or at Cobbygoose.