DRIPPING SPRINGS — Originally named the Friends of Hill Country Care Nursing Home, the Friends Foundation has provided services to the elderly and homebound in the Dripping Springs community for more than 20 years. When the nursing home became a for-profit corporation, the Friends Foundation split off and began offering more services.
The foundation offers services such as a lifeline program called Life Alert to seniors in the area who may not be able to otherwise afford it. A quarterly $45 donation is requested, but an individual is never denied a lifeline if they are unable to pay the fee.
The Friends Foundation also offers a hot meals program, called Our Daily Bread, which is available to residents within an eight-mile radius of Dripping Springs who are 60 years of age and older. The residents who receive the meals are typically, but not limited to, homebound people.
They can accommodate many different needs, such as softer foods and diabetics, and the meals are always delivered warm.
Kathy Carriker, the president of the Friends Foundation, has been delivering meals herself for more than 15 years. The meals are delivered three times a week on five routes and they currently have 45 volunteers, but are always looking for more.
“It’s a community project, and it’s all done with love,” said Carriker.
In September of this year, the Friends Foundation will be kicking off its 31st Annual Fundraiser.
Starting Sept. 9, golden tickets will be available to purchase; they are used in an electronic drawing, with the winner being able to pick any item for the auction to take home as their own.
According to Carriker, the auction items include getaway trips in the Hill Country, football tickets, and even a signed Dallas Cowboys football helmet. There is no limit on how many golden tickets can be purchased per individual, however, only 100 will be sold.
Once the winner of the golden ticket raffle is announced and their prize chosen, the rest of the items are available to be bid on. The online auction will take place between Sept 19-28. This all leads up to their 31st Annual Fundraiser.
Hosted at Vista West Ranch off McGregor Road in Dripping Springs, the 31st Annual Fundraiser will have barbecue, games, the Hot Texas Swing Band and much more. Tickets are $50 and are available online.
The Friends Foundation is always looking for new driver volunteers and sponsors for its fundraisers. Those who are wishing to become a volunteer or sponsor, or to purchase tickets for the 31st Annual Fundraiser, can find more information at www. thefriendsfoundation.org.
