Empty Bowls Project in 27th year in Dripping Springs

DRIPPING SPRINGS  – A fundraiser that helps fight hunger in the community of Dripping Springs is back in operation for its 27th year.

The Empty Bowls Project will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3 at Dripping Springs Ranch Park and Event Center. This annual family event benefits Dripping Springs Helping Hands to help feed the hungry and provide temporary financial aid.

In exchange for a donation of $25 per person at the door, patrons can choose a handcrafted ceramic bowl and fill it with soups from area restaurants. Live music is provided by talented local musicians and beer and wine is offered by local breweries and wineries. Raffle enthusiasts will enjoy bidding on uniquely crafted gift baskets.

After their delicious meal, including bread, drinks and dessert — while listening to live entertainment amongst friends and neighbors — guests can take their artisan bowl home with them.

The proceeds from the Empty Bowls Project benefit Dripping Springs Helping Hands, a nonprofit organization that has continuously served the community for 38 years. This event is a lifeline for the sustained success of Helping Hands, whose mission is to provide the community of Dripping Springs with a framework of compassionate care to assist neighbors in their time of need, according to a news release.

In 2023, Helping Hands provided more than 282,130 pounds of food for families who have food insecurities. The organization served 18,083 individuals total, which was a 35% increase from the previous year.

“The annual fundraiser generates 75% of Helping Hands annual operating budget. Without the proceeds from the Empty Bowls Project, we would struggle to meet the needs of our less fortunate families in the area,” said event co-chair June Baumoel.

A unique collection of handmade bowls is available for guests who attend the Empty Bowls Project. These bowls come from potters all over the Hill Country and several of them will be at the event to sell their ceramics.

Top-tier sponsors who have committed thus far to support the event include:

• Celadon: Barb Mansur, Dripping Springs Lions Club, Kristi and Paul Greene, Texas Legal, Marsha and David Young, Haus of Jayne, The Napiorkowski Family and B. Adams.

• China: The Art Garage Austin

• Stoneware: Austin Ridge Bible Church, Henly RV Park, June and Jim Baumoel

• Ironstone: Jennifer and Steve Benesh

• Ceramic: Jim and Lindy Orr, Adair Dentistry, Lonestar Capital Bank, Crystal and Jay Emmons, David and Becky Edwards, Penny Johnson, Jessica Brink, Bill and Jean Avera, J & J Pest Control, Medical Center for Eating Disorders and Jersey Mike's Subs.

To be a sponsor or to learn more about the Empty Bowls Project and Dripping Springs Helping Hands, visit the following links:

• www.drippingspringsemptybowls.org

• www.facebook.com/DrippingSpringsEmptyBowlsProject

• www.helpinghands-drippingsprings.org