Throwing money around to impress a first date is not really an attractive option these days. In fact, it borders more on insulting than appealing. Lucky for you, responsibility and philanthropy is definitely in, and we have the perfect first-date idea to show your giving side: This Saturday, take the object of your interest to the Ballard Community Center for “Empty Bowls”, a charity event to benefit the Ballard Food Bank. For a minimum donation of $10, guests will first choose a uniquely designed bowl from a local artist, which will then be filled with hearty soup and bread. Stimulate each other while exchanging ideas on how to save the world while you eat, and enjoy the live music–then afterward, you and your date will be able to take your bowls home as a reminder of the memorable night. If sparks fly and romance blooms, you’ll have the souvenir of the evening it all began. And if it doesn’t. . . well, you can always use it as a doggie bowl. 4-8 p.m. Sat., Feb. 28. Find great date ideas like this plus restaurant gossip and local food events in our Big Bites e-newsletter. Sign up here and we promise we won’t flood your inbox with spam.