Nearly 100 Mah Jongg enthusiasts from across Texas gathered at the Wimberley Community Center on Saturday for a day of friendly competition and community support. The event, hosted by Meals on Wheels Rural Capital Area (MOWRCA),was organized by Communications Director Karen Walpole, an avid Mah Jongg player.
American Mah Jongg, adapted from the ancient Chinese tile game and introduced in the U.S. in the 1920s, has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. Saturday’s tournament reflected that trend, with players enjoying spirited play, door prizes donated by Wimberley Site Manager Carolyn Zint and Johnson City Site Manager Lainie Parker, and hospitality discounts provided by hotels 7A Ranch and The Gathering. Attendees praised the beauty of the Wimberley venue and the area’s Hill Country charm, with many expressing eagerness to return for future tournaments.
Beyond the competition, the event underscored an urgent need: MOWRCA has served older adults in Wimberley and across Hays County for decades, but the program is not fully funded and with more funding cuts coming, the gap is getting bigger than ever. For every meal served, MOWRCA must raise $3 through donations and fundraisers like the Mah Jongg tournament. All donated funds go directly toward meal pur-chases, never administrative costs.
“Events like this highlight the joy of Mah Jongg and the power of community,” Walpole said.“Each meal we deliver represents more than nutrition; it’s also a lifeline of dignity and connection for an older neighbor and events like this help us continue our efforts in the rural communities. This is about so much more than just a meal. Sometimes our volunteers are the only person an elderly neighbor sees all day, and that visit provides asocial connection and the opportunity to make sure they are safe at home” Funding cuts have made community support more vital than ever. Those wishing to help can donate online at www.mowrca.org or call 979-540-2981.
