Laguna Relief and Resource Center Benefits from World Hunger Bowl

On Saturday evening, more than 100 souls braved the windy and rainy weather to attend the World Hunger Bowl at . Funds were raised for the Laguna Relief and Resource Center through a silent auction of one-of-a-kind hand-made bowls made by professional and amateur artists.

Founded after the devastating 1993 wildfire by community volunteers, the Laguna Relief and Resource Center provides food, shelter, clothing and counseling for residents during difficult financial times and natural disasters. 

On hand at the event was Laguna Canyon resident and glass artist Maggie Spencer. She was affected by the devestating floods produced by last winter's rainstorms. The Laguna Relief and Resource Center helped her through some of her darkest hours during that time. 

"The [Laguna Relief and Resource Center] was right there for me," said Spencer. "so this is just a little bit of a payback. I got tickets for tonight for my husband and I, I donated a bowl, and I’m doing the best I can to bid on what I can afford. Despite the fact that Laguna Beach’s population has grown, it’s still a small town, so we do watch out for one another."

Housing and Human Services Committee member Faye Chapman created and organized the World Hunger Bowl.

"This is the third year that we've had the city of Laguna Beach proclaim the first week of November as National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week," said Chapman. "The city adopts that first week, and that's when we do a food drive and create awareness."

"I feel like people who live in the shadows..." said, Chapman, "...people need to see them as people because they are people."

Laguna Beach City Council member Jane Egly and Barbara Picheny attended the event.

"I think it's really important," said Picheny, "that the people of Laguna Beach support the homeless, and we've got to do everything we can. This is a good opportunity because obviously people care and it's nice to see how many people are out here. It's exciting and we really need to do more."

"This is one of the things that Laguna does best, to try to help those who aren't as fortunate as the rest of us," said Egly. "What a wonderful event with all these bowls. They're all so different and creative."

Egly's favorite bowl was "A Pinch Pot Rainbow" from the Boys and Girls Club of Laguna Beach.

Laguna Beach restaurants , , and the provided soup and side dishes. Musician Scott Sechman entertained by singing and playing acoustic guitar. And Aliso Creek Inn donated the use of their facilities for the event.

For more information about the Laguna Relief and Resource Center, call 949-497-7121 or click here.