Local Musician Volunteers for HEAL’s Empty Bowl Event

Help End Abuse for Life (HEAL) is pleased to announce local musician Tomás Vigil has signed on to entertain guests at the third annual Empty Bowl Event on Sunday, October 28th from 4-7pm at the Cafe at Mountain Annie’s at 2714 Sudderth Drive in Ruidoso.
 
Vigil is a native New Mexican and lives in Ruidoso, N.M with his wife of 33 years, Ruth. Known around town as a generous musician, he is often called upon to help people and agencies with his musical gift.  Dan Francis, a co-worker and friend of Vigil, said, “Everyone loves Tomás.  All someone has to do is ask him to help and he is there for them.  He has played countless venues in New Mexico while helping out friends and organizations he believes in.”
 
Vigil began playing guitar at a young age.  During his high school years at West Mesa High School in Albuquerque, he started studying classical guitar. Vigil felt privileged to study under the famous Cuban classical guitarist Hector Garcia at the University of New Mexico.
 
Like most talented musicians, Vigil has many musical skills.  Besides being one of the local’s favorite for classical guitar, he is also a composer, music arranger and teacher of guitar.
 
After being self-employed in the information technology field, Vigil moved to Ruidoso in 1994 when he was drawn by the call of the mountains and family ties. He has been employed with Windstream Telecommunications for the past 11 years. He describes it as his “full-time job to support his music habit.”
 
As a longtime supporter of HEAL, Vigil has delighted crowds at events such as the annual HEAL Heroes with Heart celebration. He says that he chooses to support HEAL because of the “…whole premise of what HEAL and the Nest does, creating a safe environment for victims and survivors of domestic violence and with the goal and hope that HEAL can truly work themselves out of a job by ending domestic violence.”
 
According to HEAL Treasurer Corinne Prudencio, “We deeply appreciate everything Tomás has done for HEAL and the Nest.  We truly rely on the kind heart of Lincoln County in operating the shelter and he captures the essence of how this community truly supports these women and children who are trying to rebuild their lives.”
 
Tickets for the Empty Bowl Event are $15 and are available at the door.  Only 300 bowls will be available, so get your tickets early. Attendees will receive samples of various soups prepared by local Chefs, foodies, organizations and restaurants, a ticket to vote for their favorite soup, a hand crafted bowl filled with their favorite soup, breads, cookies for dessert, entertainment by Classical Spanish guitarist Tomás Vigil and an opportunity to bid in a silent auction for some of the most coveted pottery in Lincoln County.
 
Pictured is Tomás Vigil, HEAL volunteer for the Empty Bowl Event on October 28th at the Café at Mt. Annie’s.