PLACERVILLE — A 26-year winter tradition supporting hunger relief in El Dorado County will return on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026, when the Empty Bowls Dinner once again gathers the community at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds. The event, organized and led by local youth, will run from 3 to 6 p.m. in the Forni Building and feature handcrafted bowls, music, and educational outreach focused on food insecurity.
Guests will receive a handmade ceramic bowl — donated by regional artists, student potters, and school programs — filled with soup and served alongside fresh bread. Entertainment will be provided by Coloma Celtic, known for their upbeat Americana-Celtic sound, and vendor booths will offer informational materials as well as handmade goods for purchase. Wine, beer, and a wide selection of desserts will also be available for attendees.
Funds raised from the event will support four organizations working to address hunger both locally and internationally: Upper Room Dining Hall and Hands4Hope Emergency Food Pantry in Placerville; El Dorado High School’s Natural Resources Program Garden Senior Project; and Earth’s Angels in Ghana. Organizers say the list reflects both the community’s needs and the event’s long-standing mission to promote compassion across borders.
This year marks the third in which Hands4Hope – Youth Making a Difference has taken full leadership of the event, after 23 years under the El Dorado Peace and Justice Community. The youth-led committee includes 18 middle and high school students, with six serving as project leaders, supported by 11 adult mentors.
“It’s exciting to work with fellow youth from throughout the region and adults from all walks of life to help an important cause,”
said Project Manager and Ponderosa High School senior Lily Hinkle.
“Hunger is a serious issue, but the Empty Bowls Dinner is a joy-filled event. It takes hundreds of volunteers and the contributions of many ceramics artists and students, and we are grateful for all the support.”
Tickets purchased at the door are $30 for adults, with a $5 discount available for online purchases made by Feb. 13. Youth tickets (ages 5–18) cost $15, and children 4 and under may attend for free. Sponsorships begin at $150 and include event tickets. Full details, including ticket sales and sponsorship opportunities, are available at hands4hopeyouth.org/emptybowls.
Hands4Hope – Youth Making a Difference is a nonprofit organization that provides leadership and service opportunities for students in grades 6–12 across Sacramento and El Dorado counties. The group operates school-based clubs, after-school committees, and hands-on service-learning projects throughout the region.
