Empty Bowl Project to benefit Maui Food Bank

Bowls purchased at the annual benefit remind attendees of all the “empty bowls” in the world.
LAHAINA – The fourth annual Empty Bowl Project will be held on April 17 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Star Noodle in the Lahaina Business Park). Star Noodle and the Maui Organization for the Ceramic Arts (MOCA) are again uniting to offer inspired cuisine, outstanding art and great entertainment for a very worthy cause: the Maui Food Bank.
Ceramic artists and various schools from around Maui have collaborated to create handcrafted ceramic bowls to be sold for a $25 donation at the event.
The bowl you purchase is a keepsake to remind you of all the “empty bowls” in the world.
All proceeds collected from bowl purchases will be donated to the Maui Food Bank and Hale Mahaolu, with further proceeds benefitting other Maui organizations.
The donation also includes a visit to the Empty Bowl Project “Noodle Bar,” where participants can create their own personal signature ramen with a variety of garnishings.
In addition to the Noodle Bar station, scripts will be available for purchase to experience an array of local flavors and ingredients, street fair style.
This year, Star Noodle Executive Chef Gemsley Balagso has invited chefs from partnering Na Hoaloha Ekolu businesses, including Executive Chef Sergio Perez from Aloha Mixed Plate, Executive Chef Craig Masuda from Old Lahaina Luau, Executive Chef Marcus Whisenant from Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop and Executive Hoaloha Bakeshop Chef Chelsea Whisenant.
They will share their flavors and talents with dishes highlighting this year’s theme: across the street food.
Along with the great food and desserts, signature Star cocktails, wines, beers, and sakes will also be available for purchase inside the restaurant.
The event will take place under the stars at Star Noodle, 286 Kupuohi St., with entertainment and local celebrities appearing throughout the evening.
Since the initial Lahaina event in 2012, the Empty Bowl Project presented by Star Noodle has helped to donate over $25,000 in support of local causes.
In 2014, Star Noodle donated $5,000 to the Maui Food Bank, $2,500 to Hale Mahaolu and another $2,000 to the Lahainaluna High School girls basketball team.
Empty Bowl Project is an international grassroots effort to help fight hunger. Events have taken place across the United States and in at least a dozen other countries. Millions of dollars have been raised and donated to hunger-fighting organizations around the world.
For more information, visit www.starnoodle.com or call Sara Jordan-Polk at 667-2998.