By Megan Wehring
DRIPPING SPRINGS — A Dripping Springs partnership is continuing its tradition of helping neighbors in need.
The Empty Bowls Project will return to its traditional in-person event on Sunday, Nov. 6, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Dripping Springs Ranch Park and Event Center. The fundraiser, which is co-sponsored by Dripping Springs Helping Hands and the city of Dripping Springs, helps fight hunger and food insecurity in the community.
Melissa Reese, Helping Hands board member and Empty Bowls Project volunteer, holds a painted bowl.
With donations of $25 per person at the door, patrons can choose a beautiful, handcrafted ceramic bowl and fill it with delicious soups from 30-plus area restaurants. Live music, beer and wine will round out the offerings.
The proceeds from the Empty Bowls Project benefit Dripping Springs Helping Hands, a nonprofit organization and food pantry that has served the community for 36 years. This annual event is a lifeline for the continued success of the Helping Hands, whose mission is to provide the community of Dripping Springs with a framework of compassionate care that is designed to assist neighbors in their time of need.
In 2021, Helping Hands provided more than 205,000 pounds of food for families who struggle to put food on their tables.
June Baumoel, one of the event’s co-chairs and a volunteer with Helping Hands, said the annual fundraiser generates more than 65% of the Helping Hands annual operating budget.
“Without a successful Empty Bowls event we would not be able to meet the needs of our clients,” Baumoel said in a news release. “Over the past twelve months food costs have risen to unprecedented levels resulting in increased demands for food and for temporary social services such as housing, utilities, transportation and medical aid.”
Every year, more than 100 businesses and families champion the “call for sponsors.” To meet the increased needs of clients, the 25th Annual Empty Bowls Project has set a new fundraising goal to grow the net income by 35% or $25,000. The committee for the event is reaching out to more people and businesses than ever before to accomplish this goal.
For more information about becoming a sponsor, visit http://www.drippingsprings
emptybowls.org.
