In an informal ceremony at The Mark Restaurant on Tuesday, Discover Burien’s Debra George passed out checks to two local food banks for the funds raised at this year’s Empty Bowls event.

(L to R) Debra George – Discover Burien, Rick Jump – White Center Food Bank, Mike Werle – Highline Food Bank, Gina Kallman – Burien Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services

The Highline Food Bank and White Center Food Bank split the proceeds down the middle, with each organization receiving a check for $8222.83.

Rick Jump, Executive Director of the White Center Food Bank, said “In this economy, with fewer pounds of donated food, this donation will allow us to purchase more food to support the increase of families that we’re serving.”

Echoing this sentiment, Mike Werle, Director of the Highline Food Bank, explained “Because we buy in bulk, we get a pound of food for around $1.25 so this donation will stretch quite a ways.”