On Friday, April 12, 2024, the South Texas Food Bank held its 15th annual Empty Bowls presented by title sponsor, H-E-B.
The food bank was honored to welcome back H-E-B this year, as its longstanding title sponsor along with event sponsors 2JM and Deutsch & Deutsch.
Guests gathered at the Webb County Fairgrounds in their best 'denim and diamonds' attire for an evening of entertainment and charity. In honor of it’s 15th edition, the official theme for this year’s event was denim and diamonds, which featured a decadent display of soft blues and bedazzled jewels from our decor and guests alike.
The event featured a live auction complete with exquisite jewelry donated by Deutsch & Deutsch and other unique items donated by generous businesses and community members. Items like destination trips to Costa Rica, a hunting trip to Africa and cute pure-bred Labrador puppy were part of this exciting auction. There was also a silent auction with over 40 items, live music by Mariachis Los Arrieros, performances by members of the Laredo Funny Comedy Troupe, a special video and sponsor recognitions.
Board Chair Kevin Romo, Empty Bowls Co-Chairs Leslie Benavides and Laura Narvaez, along with Alma Boubel, CEO of the South Texas Food Bank presented H-E-B, 2JM and Deutsch & Deutsch with beautiful crystal awards in acknowledgement of their outstanding support of the event and The South Texas Food Bank. H-E-B was also gifted a commemorative poster for their support throughout the years.
H-E-B has been the Empty Bowls Title Sponsor for three years in a row.
Staying on theme, the food bank catered guests with a Texas style buffet complete with tender steaks, savory chicken, steamy potatoes, smokey asparagus and fresh dinner rolls.
The excitement didn’t end there, after the dinner and auction, guests made their way outdoors to the stage for a live performance by established country music stars Kevin Fowler and Rodger Creager along with newcomer Hayden Haddock. There, guests and concert attendees passionately sang along to familiar tunes like Fowler’s ‘Hard Man to Love’ and Creager’s ‘The Everclear Song’ as they gathered like friends both old and new, united by a cause and danced the night away.
All proceeds will help the food bank continue its mission of fighting hunger throughout its eight-county service area that includes Webb, Zapata, Jim Hogg, Maverick, Val Verde, Dimmit, Kinney and Starr.
Special thanks to the Webb County Sheriff's Department and Constable Pct. #4; the Laredo Firefighters Association; 2JM Staff, auction donors, and volunteers.
Plans are underway for Empty Bowls 16 in Spring of 2025. •