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Rosemead, CA—Empty Bowls 2016, an event supporting homeless families, will take place Sunday, April 24 from noon to 3:00 P.M., at Sierra Madre United Methodist Church, 695 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. in Sierra Madre.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Family Promise of San Gabriel Valley, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that brings area faith congregations together to offer homeless families shelter, meals, employment and permanent housing assistance, and other services.

“Empty Bowls is our annual major fundraiser to help support homeless families as they regain stable housing and employment,” said Karen Roberson, chair of Family Promise SGV’s board of directors. “We believe that every child needs a home. This is an enjoyable and inspiring event where people can learn about the challenges faced by homeless kids and their families, and support our mission to serve them.”

Roberson described one of the first families hosted by Family Promise. “Joey, Maria, and their two young kids—a 7-year-old boy and 11-month-old girl—lost their home and were sleeping on a park bench. Maria was pregnant, and Joey stayed awake all night to protect them.”

“When they came to us, Maria could rest and take care of the baby, and Joey was able to focus on finding full-time work. The Family Promise host volunteers made sure Maria was comfortable and kept her medical appointments, and supported the family in many ways. Once the family found permanent housing, we helped arrange transportation so that Joey could commute to a more distant job—and we got Maria to the hospital in the middle of the night when she went into labor. Now the 11-month-old is a little girl and Maria recently posted on Facebook that she’s starting school!”

“We have a number of other happy endings like Maria and Joey’s,” Roberson said. “But we need your help in order to continue this work. Please come to Empty Bowls on April 24. You’ll have a good time and help us keep the doors open.”

At Empty Bowls, attendees will select a bowl handcrafted by local artisans and enjoy a variety of soups donated by local restaurants. The event also features performances by local musicians, gift baskets, and additional pottery on display for sale.

The event takes place Sunday, April 24, from noon to 3:00 pm at Sierra Madre United Methodist Church, 695 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. Tickets are $30 online at http://bit.ly/bowls16until April 23; $35 at the door. Children ages 5 and under are free.

About Family Promise of San Gabriel Valley

Incorporated in May 2009, Family Promise SGV is a nonprofit organization that provides temporary housing and other assistance to area homeless families though a network of faith congregations. FPSGV is one of 178 Family Promise affiliates in 41 states across the U.S. Host congregations take turns, a week at time, to house and feed families in the program. During the day, the Family Promise Resource Center offers housing and employment assistance and other services. More than 70 percent of families admitted into Family Promise affiliates nationwide find housing in about two months. For more information, please visit www.fpsgv.org.