SWEETWATER COUNTY — Community has been the central theme of the Bowls of Sharing annual fundraiser for the past eleven years. “This all-volunteer organization has been exceptional for those associated with it. We are proud of the Bowls of Sharing success and the goals it achieved,” said Patty Smith, BOS Board Member.

Wide community support and hard work grew this event far beyond any of the founders’ expectations. However, many on the team, including the Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen, need to step down due to concerns such as health, family and other commitments. Therefore, the Bowls Of Sharing Board and Planning Committee have decided to dissolve the organization. They are pleased the YWCA will be stepping in to take over this successful program and adapt it to their own needs.

Bowls of Sharing was started in 2004 in memory of Kathy Crabtree, a local potter and the co-founder of Local Color, who died from complications of Cushings Syndrome. The event raised community awareness of Cushings symptoms and treatment.

Bowls of Sharing also increased community awareness of the Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen and YWCA Support and Safe House while raising money to support both local non-profit organizations. Above and beyond that it became a fun family event for our community.

Lauren Schoenfield, Executive Director of the YWCA, said that… The YWCA of Sweetwater County Board of Directors, Financial Development Committee and Employees are proud to announce that they will be taking over the former benefit, “Bowls of Sharing”.

“After hearing about the dissolution of the Bowls of Sharing planning committee, the YWCA Directors and the Board discussed taking over the event,” Lauren Schoenfeld, Executive Director of the YWCA said. “We were all saddened to hear of the possibility of the event no longer occurring and felt the community would feel the same. It only made sense for us as an agency serving individuals to step up”.

Effective immediately, the YWCA will begin planning for the event which will be held on March 19 at the Sweetwater County Events Center. Activities will remain the same except the name will now be “YWCA Bowls of Caring”. Further details will be available after the first meeting.

The YWCA is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 entity that serves thousands each year in Sweetwater County through the Early Care and Learning Center, Support and Safe House, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Family Justice Center.

The YWCA of Sweetwater County would like to thank the “Bowls of Sharing” planning committee for their hard work and dedication for the past eleven years; and entrusting the organization to take over the reins.

–From a press release