The Empty Bowls Fundraiser was an idea created by the creative arts community in the 1990s. Local pottery artisans donate various types of bowls to the fundraiser, and local, high-end restaurants donate gallons of various soup flavors. Fundraiser attendees purchase pottery bowls and pay an entry fee to sample the soups, along with a fresh green salad and artisan breads. A promotional video about Free Meal is shown to attendees during the event.