The fourth annual Empty Bowl Project will take place under the stars at Star Noodle, 286 Kupuohi St. Special guests will include Damien Awai (pictured), Maui Taiko and Max Angel Becerra.

LAHAINA – The fourth annual Empty Bowl Project will be held on Friday, 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) have come together once again for inspired cuisine, outstanding art and great entertainment for two very worthy causes: the Maui Food Bank and Hale Mahaolu.

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 the bowl purchase will be donated to the Maui Food Bank and Hale Mahaolu, with further proceeds benefitting other Maui organizations.

Your donation also includes a visit to the Empty Bowl Project “Noodle Bar,” where you can choose a bowl of Star Noodle’s signature Hapa Ramen or the lighter, gluten-free, vegan option called “Faux Pho.”

In addition to the Noodle Bar station, scrips 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.

The menu this year features dishes highlighting the theme of street food.

In addition to the Noodle Bar, guests can expect to see a Kimchi Kalbi Taco, Crispy Rueben Wrap, Pan Fried Turnip Cake with Chili Soy, and a Poi Mochi inspired “Corndog” with Maui Onion Mustard for dipping. For dessert, last year’s Taro An Pan, which sold out, is making a return.

Accompanying the street food menu, signature and special Star cocktails, wines, beers and sakes will also be available for purchase inside of the restaurant.

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. All are invited to do their part to fight hunger and participate in this premiere fundraising event.

Empty Bowl Project is an international grassroots project 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.