By Cris Alarcon, InEDC Writer. (April 2, 2025) — PLACERVILLE, Calif. — The 25th annual Empty Bowls Dinner, hosted by Hands4Hope – Youth Making A Difference on March 8, 2025, successfully raised nearly $20,000 to support organizations combating food insecurity both locally and internationally. The beneficiaries include La proMesa Familiar, Upper Room Dining Hall, Hands4Hope Emergency Food Pantry, and Earth’s Angels in Ghana.
Held at the historic Forni Building at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds, the event welcomed approximately 600 guests of all ages. Attendees received unique handmade ceramic bowls, which they filled with a variety of soups accompanied by fresh bread. The evening featured live music by Coloma Celtic and vendor booths offering handmade crafts, art, jewelry, and baked goods.
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Tania Thomas, Hunger Education Lead and a junior at Vista Del Lago High School, addressed the audience on the pressing issue of food insecurity. “About 1 in 4 individuals in Sacramento County experience food insecurity. Through Empty Bowls, we present hunger as a tangible issue where everyone’s contributions will make a difference,” Thomas said.
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Karen Wells, Lead Baker and Owner of Sister Loaves Real Bread for Real People, whose business donated bread and contributed a portion of sales, praised the youth-led initiative. “The 2025 Empty Bowls event demonstrated your success in providing important resources to improve food security in El Dorado County, as well as raise awareness about this important issue,” Wells said. “As important to me personally is your mission to inspire and empower youth in leadership and service. You are making a difference!”
Event Highlights:
Committee Composition: 16 middle and high school youth participants and 10 adult mentor volunteers.
Volunteer Support: 141 youth and adult volunteers assisted during the event, contributing to a total of 900 service hours.
Leadership Structure: Seven subcommittees, each led by a youth participant, managed different aspects of the event.
The success of the event was bolstered by generous contributions from sponsors, artists, potters, beverage donors, bakers, soup makers, raffle prize donors, and additional supporters. Notable sponsors included the Bill Roby Family Foundation, Katy & Don Peek, Law Office of Gregory S. Clark, Fergerson Financial, Placerville Food Cooperative, and El Dorado Community Health Centers.
Hands4Hope – Youth Making A Difference is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth through service learning and outreach. The Empty Bowls Dinner exemplifies their commitment to fostering leadership and addressing critical community issues.
For more information about Hands4Hope and their initiatives, visit www.hands4hopeyouth.org.
