Rex Treadaway was one of the many people who came out to the Rome Civic Center for an annual charity event that not only left people feeling full of the giving spirit, but also filled their bellies.

Treadaway — who Tuesday night was enjoying his third year at Empty Bowls — said he has a growing collection of custom-made bowls at home to remind him that giving back to the community is what it’s really all about.

“It’s a great event and a great way to raise money for all the charities involved,” he said.

Organizers like Ginny Kibler couldn’t agree more. And because there’s no overhead cost for the event — even for the 30 gallons of soup and the cornbread and salad for 300 people — all the money donated Tuesday goes straight to the organizations.

“We keep the price down. We sell out of the tickets every year, ... and it’s only $20 for it along with the bowl the potters make as well, so its worth that in itself,” she said.

Lisa Ingram Brown, one of the many organizers for the annual event, said Empty Bowls netted $9,055 this year, just more than the 2011 total of $9,000. This year Hospitality House will be the beneficiary of the donation. Volunteer potters also made 300 bowls for this year’s event, 20 of which Brown made herself.

Celebrating their 10th anniversary this year in Rome, Empty Bowls is an international project to fight hunger and is locally driven by area potters and community members with a passion to bring positive change to Rome and surrounding areas through arts and education.