Empty Bowls generosity fills Lakewood Main Street

Lakewood Ranch's Margaret Coleman had volunteered to paint some of the ceramic bowls when they were empty.

As she walked down Lakewood Main Street Friday, Coleman saw the difference when those bowls were full.

To Coleman, and the Food Bank of Manatee, a full bowl meant they could feed the hungry.

Those supporting the Empty Bowls fundraiser packed every corner of Main Street and paid $25 for soup, bread and a beautifully painted bowl. The patronizing the event were having a great time, but they knew it was for a good cause.

The generosity on display impressed Pam Swart, a visitor from South Africa.

"This is just a fabulous function," Swart said. "We don't have anything like this (in South Africa). I'll have to take this story home with me." 

Thirteen restaurants donated a different soup to the cause.Volunteers had painted 500 bowls for the event. 

"It's really nice to see the outcome, and to see people come together for such a good cause," Coleman said.