Empty Bowls Camas raises $27,000 for Inter-Faith Treasure House

The Empty Bowls Camas team recently announced that its Sept. 16 event raised $27,000 for Inter-Faith Treasure House, Camas and Washougal’s only full-service food bank. The total represents a 100 percent increase over last year’s event proceeds and marks the largest fundraising year in Empty Bowls Camas history.

“What started two years ago as a simple idea combining soup, handmade pottery and community has become one of Camas’ most meaningful traditions,” said Jamie St. Clair, event director for Empty Bowls Camas. “We’re grateful to every sponsor, restaurant, potter, volunteer and attendee who helped make this year such an incredible success. Together, we’re turning art and generosity into meals for our neighbors.”

Each month, Treasure House distributes roughly 450 food boxes, feeding more than 1,300 people and supplying over 135,000 pounds of groceries. Another 2,000 local residents stop by for daily free food, and more than 100 students in nearby school districts receive weekend meals through the backpack program. The 2025 donation will sustain a significant share of those efforts, helping keep shelves stocked and families supported through the winter season.