Dripping Springs Empty Bowls Project set for November 7

Staff Reports

DRIPPING SPRINGS – The 24th Annual Empty Bowls Project will be presented with a twist this year, due to COVID-19, on Sunday, November 7 from 11 am to 3 pm at Dripping Springs Ranch Park and Event Center.

Due to concerns regarding the spread of Covid-19, the Empty Bowls Project will be modified as a “Grab & Go” event so that we can resume an in-person event while minimizing the risks of spreading the virus. This year’s activities will take place entirely in the vendor area of Dripping Springs Ranch Park (look for the large garage doors on the south side of the building). Masks will be worn by all volunteers and are recommended for all guests.

While we will not be seated together in an enclosed room, our patrons will still be able to select their very special handmade bowls and delicious soups in TO GO containers in an open-air room. Our fabulous musicians will be playing while patrons enjoy choosing bowls and soups.

For a $25 donation, patrons may select a handmade bowl of their choice as well as a pre-packaged soup and dessert. As always, there will be over 1,000 beautiful and unique handmade bowls from which to select and a variety of delicious soups prepared by more than thirty area chefs. 

Co-sponsored by Dripping Springs Helping Hands and the City of Dripping Springs, the funds raised from the Empty Bowls Project will benefit Helping Hands, a non-profit organization that has been serving the Dripping Springs area since 1986. This annual event is vital to the continued success of the Helping Hands’ mission to provide the community of Dripping Springs with a framework of compassionate care designed to assist neighbors in their time of need.

In 2020, Helping Hands provided more than 230,000 pounds of food for people in the community who struggle to put food on the table for their families. The Empty Bowls Project provides more than half of the operating budget each year for Helping Hands and provides a lifeline for many in the community.

The Empty Bowls Project has more than 100 generous sponsors each year. This year, special thanks go to the City of Dripping Springs and the following top-tier sponsors – Celadon Level: Barb Mansur, Grace Aesthetics, Judge John Burns, Randy Van Camp CPA, LLC., Sunset Canyon Baptist Church and The Art Garage Austin. Porcelain Level: Dripping Springs Cook-Off Club, Dripping Springs Lions Club, Haus of Jayne, Henly RV Park, Holy Spirit Episcopal Church & School, Terri Woods, and Texas Disposal Systems. China Level: June & Jim Baumoel, Pat & Cindy Fox, Ronnie & MB Pinkerton, and the Schaefer Family.

Dripping Springs Ranch Park Event Center is located at 1042 Event Center Drive, across from Dripping Springs Elementary School on RR12. The venue provides convenient and ample parking for the EMPTY BOWLS “GRAB & GO” event.

To volunteer or to learn more about Dripping Springs Helping Hands and Empty Bowl “GRAB & GO” event please go on-line to:

• www.helpinghands-drippingsprings.org
• www.drippingspringsemptybowls.org
• www.facebook.com/DrippingSpringsEmptyBowlsProject/

About Dripping Springs Helping Hands

Dripping Springs Helping Hands provides a food pantry and other assistance for the North Hays County region. It operates with an all-volunteer board and more than 100 people who give their time to help others. Helping Hands relies on donations and funds from the community. In 2020, the organization spent $41,600 for food given to families in need. They also provided $70,000 in financial assistance for housing, utilities, transportation, school supplies and holiday gifts for children. Many local businesses and churches host food drives throughout the year and donation bins can be found at more than a dozen Dripping Springs locations. Generous area farmers and organizations also provide fresh produce and eggs for our clients. All of these volunteers contribute to Helping Hands and their mission to help neighbors in need.