Empty Bowls sees 25th year

This year’s Empty Bowls Project returned to its traditional in-person event, an area collaboration and fundraiser that helps fight food insecurity in the Dripping Springs community.

The 25th annual Empty Bowls Project took place on Sunday, Nov. 6, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Dripping Springs Ranch Park and Event Center. Co-sponsored by Dripping Springs Helping Hands and the City of Dripping Springs, the annual family event raises funds to help feed the hungry in and around the city.

For a donation of $25 per person, patrons purchased a handcrafted ceramic bowl to fill with the soup of their choice. Soup options included different offerings from 30-plus area restaurants. Live music, beer, and wine rounded out the special offerings of the beloved community event with contributions from Island Getaway Rum, Bell Springs Winery, Acopon Brewing, Tito’s Handmade Vodka and 12 Fox Beer Co.

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 percent 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,” she explained. “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.”

To sponsor, volunteer or learn more about the Empty Bowls Project and Dripping Springs Helping Hands, visit drippingspringsemptybowls. org or helpinghands-drippingsprings. org.