Potter Rob Mangum (above) makes a bowl at his shop off Turkey Hollow Lane. Mangum has been busy making bowls for the upcoming "empty bowls" fund-raiser for the Solid Rock Food Closet, which is set for April 16 from noon until 2:30 p.m. In the photo at left, Mangum forms a bowl from a lump of clay. Photos by Coby LaRue

Potters produce bowls for food closet fund-raiser

A lunchtime fund-raiser for the Solid Rock Food Closet is being planned April 16 from noon until 2:30 p.m. at Village Park (the former Charleston Forge factory) on Memorial Park Drive in Sparta.

The event, "Empty Bowls," is being held in honor and in memory of local potter Bet Mangum, who died in early 2009 after a prolonged illness. Her husband and potter Robin C. "Rob" Mangum is supplying a number of handmade bowls for the event.

The Mangums always were well known for their aid to charitable events and Rob Mangum is continuing that tradition.

"It's always my hope that people understand how much Bet loved her work as a potter and being a part of Alleghany County. She loved living here and being part of the community and providing.... We never said no to anybody, any fund-raiser or anything."

Mrs. Mangum volunteered in a number of capacities, including about 30 years at Piney Creek School working with children there. "When she passed away, she wanted memorial contributions made in her honor to support two things-the food closet and Piney Creek School. Those were two things that were very dear to her heart."

Mr. Mangum added, "I believe in the food closet; it's just a good thing for the community."