Meals On Wheels: 164,000 Meals Served Annually

Vancouver, WA — More than 400 business and community supporters gathered at the Vancouver Hilton on Wednesday for the Meals On Wheels People’s annual Spring Luncheon.

The event is designed to honor volunteers and raise much-needed funds to continue to serve the 164,000 local meals it provides to seniors in the Portland/Vancouver metro area. The event also provides a public forum to spread the word about how the volunteer program operates. Their goal on Wednesday was to raise $150,000.

The event, which was emcee’d by book author and Meals On Wheels volunteer, Sandy Calwell, lasted about an hour, and featured a light lunch and dessert, as supporters sat at sponsored tables.

Larry Smith, one of the organization’s volunteers, was the first speaker.

“We have not turned away a senior in need for more than 46 years,” he said. “We thank Columbia Credit Union for their true and deep commitment, as they have sponsored this event since its inception.”

Meals on Wheels Compassion For Seniors Award

Meals on Wheels People honored volunteer Scott Campbell with the Compassion for Seniors Award. He thanked fellow volunteers for the honor.

“It’s a rewarding experience to take time out each day and visit our seniors,” said Campbell. “We know, for many, this may be the only social interaction they have all day. What we do helps them to stay in their homes.”

He spoke highly of Waste Connections, whom he called a viable corporate partner. “We celebrate our community successes, and nothing liberates your greatness than by your desire to help.”

Scott Campbell received the Compassion for Seniors Award.

A sharp-looking bunch, namely the Vancouver Firefighters Union, has been a table sponsor for many years.

“We raise money through our Community Assistance Fund,” said Dave Sturbelle, a longtime Vancouver firefighter, and union member who attended Wednesday’s luncheon. “The fund raises money to help people out. We use some of those funds to donate to good causes, such as Meals On Wheels. We’re here to support their efforts.”

Mike and Shelly Bacon also addressed the attendees, likened taking food to seniors to her favorite Happy Hour.

“It’s a favorite time of day,” said Shelly. “Good food, good price … so it’s like taking Happy Hour to our seniors.”

Mike said the main criteria is that the meal recipients be age 60 or above, homebound (temporarily or permanently).

“Over time we get familiar with their surroundings,” he said. “And we know we’re doing good for those folks.”

Calwell concluded the event by encouraging attendees to reach into their pocketbooks and to help the cause “that is so important.”

The organization is always looking for new volunteers, and particularly, drivers. To learn more, visit www.mealsonwheelspeople.org

Dave Sturbelle, right, sits with members of the Vancouver Firefighters Union.