HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - PROCLAMATION - 01/18/2022 - PROCLAMATION DECLARING FEBRUARY 17, 2022 AS MIKE M
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Mike McCarthy, an art teacher at Lopez Elementary School who witnessed the
hundred year rain storm and flooding on July 28, 1997 and the struggle of students and families in
the aftermath, created an Empty Bowls fund raising project for the Larimer County Food Bank; and
WHEREAS, the first Empty Bowls Soup dinner was attended by 43 patrons, supported by
five local restaurants, and funded by a Fort Collins Community Foundation-E3 grant of $375 in
February 1998. The event, now with 660 patrons and supported by 32 restaurants, is the single
largest fund raising event for the Larimer County Food Bank. In addition to student bowl makers, it
is also supported by the Northern Colorado clay community by creating bowls to fight against
hunger and food insecurity in the community; and
WHEREAS, the goal of the Empty Bowls program is for patrons to enjoy a meal of soup
and salad and bring home an empty bowl as a reminder of those dealing with food insecurity. The
Empty Bowls Soup Dinner and Silent Art Auction has contributed over one million dollars to the
Larimer County Food Bank during its 25 years; and
WHEREAS, 1 in 7 families face food insecurity in Larimer County and the Food Bank now
serves over 37,500 clients annually with Food Pantries in Loveland, Fort Collins and Wellington,
while also providing a Paws Pantry for pets, a Summer food service program, Meals on Wheels,
Nappie Project of Infant services, a shut in delivery and mobile food pop-ups; and
WHEREAS, Mike McCarthy’s vision from 1997 has evolved into a widely successful
community effort to impact individuals and families in need as the Larimer County Food Bank now
distributes over 8,697,316 meals and supplies 10.5 million pounds of food to households struggling
with food insecurity; and
WHEREAS, Mike McCarthy’s 1997 plan of action for an Empty Bowl Soup Dinner to
support the Larimer County Food Bank and all its programs has now created a life line to those
impacted by hunger and food issues, Mike should be acknowledged with a giant atta-boy; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jeni Arndt, Mayor of the City of Fort Collins, do hereby proclaim
February 17, 2022 as
MIKE MCCARTHY - EMPTY BOWLS 25 DAY
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the City of Fort
Collins this 18th day of January, A.D. 2022.
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Mayor
ATTEST:
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City Clerk