A handcrafted bowl. A plate of food. A community that refuses to let its neighbors go hungry. That combination has powered one of Pensacola’s most beloved fundraisers for nearly two decades, and in 2026, it produced the biggest results yet.
A Legacy Built on Art and Service
The event dates back to 2006, when it was launched at Pensacola State College under the direction of Dona Usry, Krist Lien, Dr. Jim Martin, and Visual Arts Professor Bill Clover. What began as a simple “Throw A Bowl” workshop grew into one of the region’s premier charity events, combining the talents of local artists with the generosity of the broader community.
After Bill Clover passed away in 2018, the event was renamed in his honor. Clover had spent 52 years teaching at Pensacola State College and was instrumental in shaping both the event and the students who contributed to it. His legacy lives on every year through the thousands of handcrafted bowls created by PSC’s Visual Arts Department, First City Arts Center, and local artists.
One of the most popular features of the event is the food competition, where local restaurants and vendors bring their best dishes and invite guests to vote with their wallets. Cash donations determine the winner, meaning every bite cast a ballot for Manna.
- This year’s lineup included Apple Market, The Grand Marlin, Sonny’s BBQ, Tacos El Fluffy, Steel Pony Diner, The Farm, and more than a dozen other local favorites. When the votes were counted, Chef Bob Solarski of WEAR 3 took home the People’s Choice Award for his Pumpkin Lobster Bisque, earning a one-of-a-kind handmade award bowl in the process.
A Community That Shows Up
Manna Executive Director DeDe Flounlacker credited the entire community for the record-setting outcome. “Potters, sponsors, food vendors, volunteers, and event guests have raised the bar again,” she said, noting that their support allows Manna to continue serving the region’s most vulnerable residents.
- Manna provided food to more than 71,000 people last year through its emergency pantry and 18 food security programs. Events like the Clover Pick A Bowl Fill A Bowl are what make that scale of service possible, one bowl at a time.