5 Things You Need To Know Today: October 20

1. Don't miss today's "Empty Bowls" luncheon to fight hunger. Guests can select a handcrafted bowl to keep and enjoy soups provided by local restaurants, fresh bread, dessert and entertainment. Some of Bradenton's best restaurants are participating in the event today from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the , 1816 9th St. West. Call 941-749-0100 for more information.

2. There are a couple of days left to buy raffle tickets to win a scooter in the "Save The Hooters Win a Scooter" chance drawing. Tickets are available for $10 each, or in package deals priced at 3 for $25, 7 for $50, and 15 for $100. They can be purchased at the , 3010 Manatee Ave. W, or at the store’s official website. The drawing will be held at Saturday's event.

3. The chamber ensembles will present a concert at 8 p.m. tonight in the Neel Performing Arts Center at SCF Bradenton, 5840 26th St. West. The concert includes performances by Guitar Ensemble, directed by Rex Willis; Chamber Choir, directed by Melodie Dickerson; Jazz Combo, directed by Marc Mannino; and Instrumental Chamber Ensembles, directed by Robyn Wilkes. General admission is $8. Tickets are $4 for students and SCF employees. For more information, call the box office at 941-752-5252 or the music department at 941-752-5351. A complete list of SCF music events is available at scf.edu/musicevents.

4. The recognized 25 employees with perfect attendance for 2010-2011. The employees met the “perfect” attendance criteria of no tardiness, not being late back from breaks or lunch and no unscheduled absences. Tax Collector Ken Burton Jr. noted that nearly one-third of the staff earned perfect attendance. The employees receive a certificate of merit, an office shirt and a day off as their incentive and recognition.

5. The Manatee Youth Commission, a new initiative to engage youth in government and local decision-making, will meet on Saturday  for orientation.  Commissioner Michael Gallen and Representative Greg Steube will speak to the commission about the importance of youth in decision-making. Involving youth helps ensure that cities and counties create effective policies and nurture the next generation of leaders and productive citizens. The Youth Commission hopes to formalize youth participation in local government decision-making and bring youth and adults together as partners. The Manatee Youth Commission consists of 20 to 25 high school students from public, private and charter schools as well as community-based youth programs in Manatee County. For more information on the program, contact Victoria Bell at manateeyouthcommission@gmail.com