Pensacola, Fl. (September 16, 2019) – The Clover Pick A Bowl Fill A Bowl raised more than $40,000 for Manna thanks to the generosity of several local sponsors, artists, restaurants/vendors, donors, and event attendees. The money raised will provide more than 24,000 meals for neighbors in need in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
“This event is Manna’s largest fundraiser of the year and provides critical financial support for our organization,” said DeDe Flounlacker, Executive Director of Manna. “Every day Manna provides healthy food to families, children and senior citizens who struggle to have enough food to eat. We couldn’t do this without the amazing support of our community in the fight against hunger.”
The event was made possible by the faculty, students and friends of the Pensacola State College Visual Arts Department, First City Arts Center, local artists, businesses, and vendors that provided sponsorships and donations of art, food, beverages and other in-kind goods and services. Cat County 98.7/NewsRadio 92.3, Pensacola State College and WEAR ABC 3 were the 2019 Porcelain level sponsors.
This year’s restaurants and vendors included Azalea Trace – an ACTS Retirement Life Community, Classic City Catering, Culinary Productions, Ever’Man Cooperative Grocery and Cafe, The Grand Marlin, Marte Picker, Mr. Pollo, Nouveau Pastries and Catering, Portabello Market, Pot Roast & Pinot, South Market, WEAR ABC 3 and Whataburger.
Animal Tales, First City Art Center, Michael Guillory, Jeweler’s Trade Shop, The Lewis Bear Company, Merchants Paper Company, Pensacola Little Theatre, Pensacola State College, Republic National Distributors, University of West Florida, Vick’s Cleaners, Vowells Printing, WEAR ABC 3 and Winn-Dixie were the 2019 in-kind donors.
Last year, the annual event was renamed in honor and memory of longtime supporter Bill Clover. Clover, a Pensacola State College Visual Arts professor for 52 years, was instrumental in starting and sustaining the 12-year event that has raised money to help thousands of hungry people.
“Clover was instrumental in starting this event for Manna and continuing its success all these years. Naming the event after him is our small way of honoring Clover for his love of our community and a way of celebrating his legacy for years to come,” said Flounlacker.
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About The Clover Pick A Bowl Fill A Bowl
The event was established in 2006 at Pensacola State College under the direction of Dona Usry, former Manna Guild Member and PSC Board Member; Krist Lien, District Department Head of the Visual Arts Department; Dr. Jim Martin, former PSC Vice President of Administration; and Bill Clover, Visual Arts Professor. For the first two years, the fundraiser was called Throw A Bowl, and guests were invited to make their own bowls under the guidance of the Visual Arts Department. In 2008, the fundraiser changed to two events - Pick A Bowl and Fill A Bowl – and in 2017, the two events became one, Pick A Bowl Fill A Bowl. Professor Bill Clover, his students, other faculty members, and local artists from First City Arts Center contributed thousands of hours and created thousands of bowls for the events. In 2018, after Bill Clover passed away, the event was renamed The Clover Pick A Bowl Fill A Bowl in honor and memory of his commitment to the fundraiser that combines his passion for art and his dedication to the community.
About Manna
Manna’s mission is to offer emergency food assistance, service the food-related needs of vulnerable populations, and engage the entire community in the fight against hunger. A local grassroots organization with no national affiliation or government funding, Manna provided food to 13,533 people last year. Manna operates a network of three emergency food distribution pantries and nine specialty programs in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.