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More than a hundred years ago, in the town of Dripping Springs, Texas with its limestone bluffs and sprawling oaks, a weary traveler wandered down the main road. His clothes were faded, his boots worn thin, and his face weathered from many miles of riding under the Texas sun.
Hungry and tired, he made his way to the town square, hoping for a meal. But it had been a hard year in Dripping Springs, with drought taking its toll on crops, and each family was scraping by on what little they had.
The townsfolk watched him, wary but
Camden and Jennifer Houger of Dripping Springs selected Broccoli Cheddar and Poblano Smoked Gouda cheese soups for their bowls. It was their first time attending the Empty Bowls Project event.
curious. Sensing their reluctance, the traveler called out with a smile, “Times are tough, so what do y’all say we make some stone soup?”
The people exchanged glances, wondering what kind of nonsense this stranger was talking about. Stone soup? Surely, he was pulling their leg. But the traveler bent down, picked up a small chunk of Dripping Springs limestone, and held it up with a twinkle in his eye. “This here’s a special stone,” he said. “Makes the best soup this side of the Blanco River.”
He set up an iron pot over a fire pit in the square, filled it with water from the nearby spring that gave the town its name and dropped the stone in the kettle. Leaning over the pot, he took a deep breath and sighed contentedly. “Mmm, smells good already,” he declared, though the water had barely begun to warm. “But a pinch of salt would really bring out the flavor.”
An older woman, softened by his charm, fetched some salt and sprinkled it in. The traveler took a taste, nodded thoughtfully, and said, “It’s coming along nice. But it could really use some onions.”
One by one, the townsfolk contributed— some onions, a few potatoes, a carrot or two, even a scrap of bacon. Soon, the pot was filled with a rich, hearty stew, simmering as the sun began to set over the hills.
When the soup was finally ready, the traveler instructed everyone to fetch a bowl. Families gathered close, neighbors shared stories, and laughter filled the square as they enjoyed a meal created from a single stone and the kindness of shared contributions. As the last bowl was emptied, the traveler rinsed the limestone, tucked it into his pocket, and thanked the town with a tip of his hat.
The fine folks of Dripping Springs have kept the spirit of that story alive, and each fall they gather for the Empty Bowls Project to fill hearts and bellies while raising funds for those in need.
This past Sunday, nearly a thousand diners gathered at the Ranch Park Event Center for this year’s Empty Bowls Project, not only to enjoy a meal of soup, but to support Dripping Springs Helping Hands, a local nonprofit that provides food and assistance to Dripping Springs families.
Months of planning go into this one-day event. It starts with the hands of potters and ceramists who craft “empty” bowls, each unique and vibrant. This year, 1,200 bowls were made and laid out on tables in a colorful kaleidoscope for diners to choose from.
For $25, attendees pick a handmade bowl before entering the dining hall, where dozens of soups from 38 local restaurants wait to be ladled. The aroma of the soups fills the room -- like a warm blanket, welcoming diners to sit with friends and neighbors, share a meal, and support the cause. Local Girl Scouts add to the warmth, serving fresh-baked bread and offering cookies at the tables, while live music fills the air.
The Empty Bowls Project has become a cherished tradition in Dripping Springs, with all food and drink donated by volunteers and local businesses. This year’s event was “a huge success and record- setting fundraiser for Helping Hands,” said June Baumoel, co-chair of the event. Baumoel, who has volunteered for nine years, shared that “we sold 1,200 bowls Sunday. Many people buy more than one bowl.”
Nearly 80 volunteers helped manage the event, ensuring smooth service for over 1,000 attendees. After finishing their meal, guests could bring their bowl to a washing station where volunteers carefully cleaned and wrapped it for them to take home as a memento.
Baumoel expressed gratitude for the community’s generosity, noting one guest who purchased three bowls and made an additional $1,000 donation. “It reminds me that there is so much love in our community,” she said.
More than 190 gallons of soup were prepared and donated for the event from 38 local restaurants. 12 Fox Brewing and Acopon Brewing served complimentary beer and wine was provided by Bell Springs Winery.
Dozens of volunteers helped promote the event and serve diners starting with the many ceramists who spent hours making the empty bowls for this event. There were 113 sponsors for this event! You can see them at DrippingSpringsemptybowls. org The Empty Bowls Project raises nearly 70 percent of the funds needed to support Helping Hands’ mission. For more information on how to volunteer or donate, visit Helpinghandsdrippingsprings. org.
With every bowl sold and every spoonful shared, Dripping Springs continues a tradition that began with one traveler, one stone, and a community willing to give.
