Backpack program holds empty bowls soup luncheon fundraiser

BEATRICE, NEB. - A southeast Nebraska group is holding an annual event for a good cause. 

The Beatrice Backpack Program held their annual Empty Bowls Soup Luncheon on Wednesday at Vintage Venue in Beatrice. Patty Kaufman is one of the original founders of the backpack program. 

"We raise all of our money to pay for a full year of our program, here today," Kaufman said. "It takes about $40,000 to pay for 125 backpacks per week for hungry children in our area."

Dozens of businesses from Beatrice and the southeast Nebraska area were on hand to take part in the events 16th year - something Kaufman does not take for granted. 

"We raise all of our money through these sponsors here today... Everything is donated, my team and I, we don't get paid, it's all volunteer. It's just such a community-minded program," Kaufman said. "We just thank the community so much."