about us

The Feed Lee's Summit Story

What began as a small idea proposed by Bernell Rice of the Lee’s Summit Sunrise Rotary Club, back in 2007 — a fun, charitable event supporting a single beneficiary — has grown into one of our community’s most impactful traditions. The initial idea was wholeheartedly supported by the members of Sunrise Rotary and, with a continued commitment over the years, the Empty Bowls event has evolved in purpose, scale, and reach. 

But its heart has always remained the same: bringing people together to help neighbors in need, a great example of the good that Rotary does.

Humble beginnings

The effort gradually built momentum little by little. In 2014, Lee’s Summit Social Services was added as a beneficiary, to assist more people in our community. By 2018, the event was generating $15,000 — an important milestone that reflected the dedication of everyone who believed in this effort.

New identity and expanded mission

Everything shifted in 2019 when the event was rebranded to “Feed Lee’s Summit” to more effectively describe it's mission, and two additional beneficiary organizations were added, Meals on Wheels and Coldwater of Lee’s Summit. With the support of Sunrise Rotary’s founding members, broader community engagement, and a renewed vision, proceeds tripled to $45,000. The mission was growing, and so was our impact. Mission accomplished in our first year!

Navigating the challenges of 2020

The arrival of the pandemic brought challenges no one would have anticipated. When federal, state and local guidelines prohibited meeting in person and similar events across the country were cancelled, converting to a virtual, live-streamed event was necessary because the need continued. Fortunately, through a fellow Rotarian, we discovered a local partner who let us use their brand-new recording studio and provided some much-needed guidance and assistance. It was a challenging exercise, and we worried about whether people would join us online, but we figured it out — and they did. Our supporters came through — proving that commitment to community doesn’t fade in difficult times.

Strength in partnership

Momentum grew again in 2021, when both Rotary Clubs in Lee's Summit - Lee's Summit Sunrise Rotary Club and the Downtown Lee’s Summit Rotary Club - partnered for the event, strengthening both our capacity and our reach. Together, we continued to build a foundation for long-term success. 

We have been fortunate to have many wonderful business partners and individuals in the community who have stood by our side consistently and have generously given year in and year out.

We would also be remiss if we didn’t recognize our five beneficiaries: Boost4Success, Coldwater, Lee’s Summit Social Services, Meals on Wheels, and One Good Meal. All of them contribute to our success by bringing supporters, donating silent auction items, and providing volunteers for the event. They are each fully invested in the event’s success.

And, of course, none of this would be possible without the ongoing commitment and support from Rotarians in the Lee’s Summit community.

Record-breaking years

By 2023, the event reached its highest level to that point: $165,000 in proceeds. This remarkable year was boosted in part by a one-time $25,000 donation and marked another milestone — the addition of Boost4Success as our fifth beneficiary. With increased support came broader services and deeper community impact.

After a slight dip in 2024, the event showed its resilience in 2025. The community rallied once again —especially in light of SNAP benefits being on hold — helping raise an impressive $224,523 to be shared among the five beneficiary organizations. It was our strongest year yet and a powerful reminder of what can happen when people come together with purpose. We hit another huge milestone! Since 2007, Empty Bowls/Feed Lee’s Summit has raised nearly $1.1 million to fight food insecurity in our community! 

Looking ahead

The growth of the gala since humble beginnings in 2007 is a testament to the spirit of this community. Every donor, volunteer, sponsor, and attendee has helped write this story. This video shows the spirit generated by the gala as beneficiaries serve their clients.

As we look to the future, with the Lee's Summit Sunrise Rotary club leading the charge, one thing is certain: the impact of this event will continue to grow —because the heart of Rotarians and this community have never been stronger. 

The Lee’s Summit Sunrise Rotary Club was founded in 1999 and is strongly committed to the ideals of Rotary as depicted in our club vision statement:  To Be A Vibrant Service Club That Is Engaged In The Community At Home And Abroad. Sunrise Rotary has raised well over a million dollars for charities at home and abroad. Current major fundraisers include Feed Lee’s Summit (formerly Empty Bowls) and Fly the Flag. Sunrise meets at 7:30 am on Fridays at the St. Paul's Episcopal Church located at 416 SE Grand Ave.

2026 Feed Lee's Summit Committee Members

David Fritz, President and Co-Chair

Julie Fritz, Secretary and Co-Chair

Caryl Froeschele, Treasurer

Jeff Carey

John Faulkenberry

Lauren Hess

Monica Humbard

Ben Martin