It may take a village to raise a child, but sometimes it takes a village to sustain the village itself.
Such was the case when a fire broke out at Paz de Cristo Community Center this past spring, rendering the center’s kitchen unusable. The center, which serves about 200 meals each night to those in need in the East Valley, was unsure how it would continue its mission to help the poor.
Thanks to an outpouring of support and generosity from community restaurants, businesses, faith groups and individuals, Paz de Cristo was able to continue its nightly service. These local restaurants donated catered food or provided food at cost to donors at the center, proving that with assistance and support, Paz de Cristo is an unstoppable source of support for Valley residents.
“The community really rallied behind us,” said Christine Oliviero, business manager and volunteer coordinator for Paz de Cristo. “We were very thankful for their donations.”
Following along those lines, Mesa Community College (MCC) will be holding two fund-raising events to further support the anti-hunger and empowerment services offered by the non-profit agency, Paz de Cristo.
For a $10 donation, those attending Empty Bowl events can take home a one-of-a-kind bowl made by accomplished local artists and dine on a simple meal of bread, soup and water in observance of World Hunger Day. All proceeds go to Paz de Cristo.
MCC offers two Empty Bowl events for the community to attend:
Wednesday, Oct. 16, at MCC’s Southern and Dobson Campus
(Center Courtyard under the big tent)
1833 W. Southern Ave.
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and evening 5 to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 23, at MCC’s Red Mountain Campus
(Mesquite Building, Community Room)
7110 E. McKellips Road
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and evening 5 to 8 p.m.
Local organizations donate clay, glaze, soup, dinner rolls, entertainment, volunteers and much more. Sponsors include The Arizona Republic, Alpine Valley Bread Co., Marjon Ceramics and Laguna Clay Company, Mesa Arts Center, MCC Art Department, New Frontiers, Pita Jungle, T.C. Eggington’s, Red, White and Brew, Shamrock Farms and Sysco.
For more information about Mesa Community College, visit the Web site at www.mesacc.edu.