[dropcap]S[/dropcap]tarted as a small soup fundraising event with a handful of volunteers, Dripping Springs area residents will soon come out in full force Oct. 29 for the 20th annual Empty Bowls Project.
Because of a rapidly growing region and an outpouring of community support to assist Dripping Springs Helping Hands, Inc., the event will be held this year at a much bigger venue than it was in years past.
Dripping Springs Ranch Park and Event Center will be where participants will raise money to feed Dripping Springs’ hungry while enjoying gourmet soups, breads, and live music.
“It is a great problem to have so many folks wanting to help their neighbors in need that we had to move our event to a larger facility,” Helping Hands volunteer and event organizer Kristi Greene said. “At Dripping Springs Ranch Park and Event Center, we will have more space and parking to meet the requirements of our family-friendly event and of course, the event will be able to go on rain or shine.”
For a donation of $25 per person, attendees can choose a ceramic bowl from more than 1,500 unique creations in all sizes, shapes and colors designed by dozens of Hill Country potters, The Art Garage, as well as local schools.
Each person can fill a bowl with a serving of the tastiest soups from more than 30 of the finest restaurants in Austin and Dripping Springs.
Helping Hands is a nonprofit organization that has been serving North Hays County for more than 31 years. The organization provides a food pantry for the region and a framework of compassionate care designed to meet neighbors in their time of need, regardless of their age, creed or ethnic origin.
Helping Hands operates with an all-volunteer board and more than 100 people who give their time to help others.
In 2016, the organization spent $28,500 to buy food for families. They also provided $35,600 in financial assistance for housing, utilities, transportation, school supplies and their holiday gift program for kids.
Greene says the Empty Bowls Project raises more than 60 percent of the Helping Hands annual budget.
“The success of this fundraiser is so important to our organization being able to assist clients when they have nowhere else to turn to for help,” Greene said.
