Event Details

For the 26th year, the Placerville Empty Bowls Dinner will offer a chance to gather, enjoy a delicious bowl of soup in a handmade bowl, and raise funds to fight hunger in our local community and beyond. The event is organized by youth participants in Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference.

Sunday, February 15, 2026

3 to 6 pm

Forni Building, El Dorado County Fairgrounds

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$25: General Admission presale, ends February 13 ($30 at the door)
$15: Youth ages 5-18
Free: Children age 4 and younger (please reserve a free ticket)

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Sponsorships start at just $150

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Families can enjoy delicious soup served in a keepsake handmade bowl, all while soaking in the lively atmosphere of live music and vendor booths. Wine, beer, and desserts will be available for purchase. The event is entirely youth-driven, organized by a passionate committee learning invaluable skills like leadership, time management, marketing, event planning, in addition to learning about hunger in their own community. Learn more about the youth-led Hands4Hope Empty Bowls Committee here.

Our Mission: Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference is dedicated to empowering youth through service learning and outreach. We strive to make a positive impact in our community and beyond through Exploration, Action, and Leadership. 

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Help Fight Hunger: The funds raised from this event will support organizations fighting food insecurity. Your participation helps us continue this legacy of support and compassion. This year's beneficiaries are:

• Upper Room Dining Hall (Placerville)

• El Dorado High School's Natural Resources Program - Garden Senior Project (Placerville)

• Hands4Hope Emergency Food Pantry (Placerville)

• Earth's Angels (Ghana, Africa)

Sponsorship Opportunities: Sponsorships start at just $150 and include tickets to the event. Sponsorships can be purchased online or download a paper form here. Sponsorships are due by February 5.​

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Volunteer: Many Hands4Hope participants as well as community volunteers are needed to assist with this special event.  Join our email list to make sure you are notified of volunteer needs. Sign up to volunteer here.

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Food Volunteers: We need your culinary creations! If you would like to donate desserts, bread, or soup (specific recipes provided), please reach out to emptybowlsfood@hands4hopeyouth.org for more information and to sign up.

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Press: Read our 2026 Press Release​

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