El Dorado County (May 12, 2024) – The 24th Annual Placerville Empty Bowls Dinner, a bastion of warmth, camaraderie, and goodwill, proved to be an unequivocal triumph, blending savory soups with radiant smiles, all in the noble pursuit of alleviating hunger. Spearheaded by Hands4Hope – Youth Making A Difference, an organization steadfast in its commitment to community welfare since 2019, this year witnessed a pivotal transition as the reins of the event were entrusted to a cadre of youthful leaders, supported by seasoned mentors Carla Turoff and Hilary Mulligan.
The orchestrators behind the scenes were none other than the Hands4Hope Empty Bowls Committee, comprising 13 dynamic youth leaders buoyed by the guidance of four dedicated adult mentors. Together, they invested a staggering 600 hours in meticulously planning every facet of the event, under the watchful eye of a Hands4Hope staff member and an alumni intern. Furthermore, the commitment extended beyond planning, as over 70 Hands4Hope youth participants dedicated a cumulative 345 hours to ensure the event’s seamless execution, from bowl washing to event setup and service.
On the auspicious Saturday of April 6th, the Placerville Shakespeare Club played host to 393 guests across two sittings, culminating in a remarkable fundraising tally exceeding $13,000. These benevolent proceeds are earmarked for distribution among Hands4Hope Emergency Food Pantry, Upper Room Dining Hall, and Earth’s Angels, underscoring the event’s dual emphasis on local and international aid. Noteworthy was the presence of Hanan Merabi from Earth’s Angels, who elucidated on the transformative impact of Empty Bowls funds in supporting a sustainable fish farm initiative in Ghana, Africa.
Integral to the event’s success were the generous contributions of sponsors such as Folsom Times, Fergerson Financial, Law Office of Gregory S. Clark, Designing Dreams, Western Sign Company, Chuck and Conni Thompson, alongside a cohort of community sponsors whose unwavering support fortified the cause. Gratitude is also extended to the skilled potters and schools whose donations of bowls were instrumental in realizing the event’s vision. The ambiance of benevolence was further heightened by beverage sponsors and contributors of soup, bread, and desserts, fostering an environment where attendees could savor not just culinary delights but also the spirit of philanthropy.
Expressing heartfelt appreciation, Jayce Kaldunski, an alumnus and Empty Bowls Intern, remarked, “Thank you to everyone who attended this year’s event. Your support is instrumental in combating hunger both locally and globally. The Hands4Hope Empty Bowls Committee eagerly anticipates your presence at next year’s gathering.”
Hands4Hope – Youth Making A Difference stands as a beacon of hope, driven by its mission to nurture leadership and service among the youth. Recognized as the “2023 Nonprofit of the Year” for California Senate District 4, Hands4Hope continues to provide transformative educational and community engagement opportunities to youths across Sacramento and El Dorado Counties.
For further inquiries about Hands4Hope – Youth Making A Difference, please visit www.hands4hopeyouth.org or call 916-294-7426.
