The Helping Center’s Springtime Mahjongg Tournament was a tremendous success, bringing together community members for a day filled with fun, fellowship, and meaningful impact. Thanks to the generosity of participants, sponsors, donors, and supporters, the event raised more than $30,000 to benefit The Helping Center’s LEARN for LIFE Program.
The tournament featured spirited competition and camaraderie, with the following players taking top honors: First Place – Patti Ohlendorf (335 points); Second Place – Beth Ackerman (330 points); Third Place – Sally Pickering (315 points); and Fourth Place – Sandy Olson (285 points).
While these players earned well-deserved recognition, the true winner of the day was The Helping Center — and the families it serves.
Founded in 1987, The Helping Center supports neighbors facing food insecurity throughout the Marble Falls area. Each year, the organization serves families more than 30,000 times and distributes over 1 million pounds of food to those in need. A dedicated volunteer base helps ensure compassionate service and responsible stewardship of donations and resources.
The Learn for Life Program, established in 2021, sets The Helping Center apart by pairing food assistance with education and long-term support. The program offers free services in- cluding financial liter acy classes, gardening and nutrition education, cooking demonstrations, children’s book fairs, early literacy programs for ages 0–3, visits from local pastors, and health screenings and vaccination clinics. In addition, the program provides scholarships to low-income students pursuing college degrees or voca- tional certifications.
A special thank you is extended to our volunteers whose generosity and support helped make this event especially meaningful and successful.
“We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support from our community,” said representatives from The Helping Center. “Because of this generosity, families in our area are receiving not only food, but also the tools, encouragement, and education needed to build a more stable future.”
Event organizers extend their sincere appreciation to all who attended, volunteered, sponsored, donated, and contributed to the success of the tournament.
Because of you, someone in our community is receiving the help they truly need.
