Empty Bowls Warm the Heart

Residents of Buda and Kyle turned out on Sunday, February 21, for the Empty Bowl Project, a benefit for the Hays County Food Bank. The sale of homemade soups and a silent auction raised $2,000. The event was sponsored by the Kyle/Buda Women Democrats and hosted by Helen’s Casa Alde Restaurant in Buda.

The homemade soups ranged from hearty favorites like corn chowder and chicken tortilla soup, to eclectic ones like pumpkin and black bean sweet potato chili. The Bread Basket donated handmade breads and rolls to round out the meal. 

Local democratic leaders rolled up their shirt sleeves to ladle out soup. State Representative Patrick Rose, Judge Beth Smith, District Attorney Sherri Tibbe, Mayor of Kyle Lucy Johnson, Candidate for Hays County Pct. 2 Commissioner Ray Bryant and Buda City Councilwoman Sandra Tenorio were there to show their support for the food bank. 

Hilary Kaufman-Smith provided the musical entertainment for diners. Potters Fraser Harris, Mel Cornshucker, Mike Grafa and Paul Lewis donated items for the silent auction. 

Please mark your calendars for next year’s Empty Bowl Project, which will be held on Sunday, February 27, 2011, at Old Kyle City Hall. If you would like to donate items for silent auction or handmade bowls for soup, please email Rachel Najera or call her at 512.665.1133.

Rachel Najera, Empty Bowls coordinator, presents Jerry Gracy, 

Executive Director of the Hays County Food Bank, with the proceeds from the benefit.