–Katherine Doty/ Tribune-Courier
Brady Ross, (center) and Chase Staten (right) from the Calvert City United Methodist Church dish out homemade stir fry during the Empty Bowl Project on Saturday afternoon at Marshall County High School.
Tribune-Courier General Manager
vfritz@tribunecourier.com
BENTON – Grace Forte said she’s not surprised at all by the outpouring of support shown by the Marshall County community for the first Empty Bowls project held Saturday to support Marcella’s Kitchen.
“I’ve lived here for over 26 years,” said Forte, one of the organizers of the event. “It doesn’t surprise me in the least that people came out to support the event. I know my neighbors here and they are always so supportive of causes such as this.”
Still, Forte is humbled by the success of what she says will certainly be an annual event. “I have no words to tell you how I feel,” she said. “My heart is just overflowing with gratitude.”
Forte said final totals are not yet available, but at press time the group reports raising over $12,000.
Nearly 500 people packed the Marshall County High School Commons area Saturday morning but one important face was missing from the crowd. Marcella Perkins, namesake of Marcella’s Kitchen, fell and broke her wrist on Friday morning while moving tables for the event. She was in surgery having it repaired while the event was taking place.
“Marcella was just devastated that she couldn’t be there,” said Forte. “She wants people to know how very much she appreciates the efforts put forth to make it happen.”
Forte also praised 17-year old Victoria Poston who brought forth the idea to hold an Empty Bowls project in Marshall County.
