To celebrate summer and the Meals on Wheels program, the Older Persons’ Commission (OPC) hosts their annual Summer Soiree. The event will be held in the lovely gardens at the OPC on Friday, August 20.
This year’s Soiree will be a special celebration including a champagne reception, a delicious strolling dinner catered by Kruse & Muer, live music, a raffle, games, and magical moments created throughout the evening. The festivities begin on Friday, August 20 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $125 and are available at opcseniorcenter.org.
“Meals on Wheels is available to anyone 60 and older who is unable to shop for or prepare meals for themselves. There is no income qualification, just a need,” said Renee Cortright, Executive Director, OPC. “It’s a program that allows seniors to safely age in place in the comfort of their own home. In addition to regular nutrition, Meals on Wheels also provides a daily wellness check. Through the act of delivering a meal, there is the added benefit of a daily wellness check.”
“Even after Covid-19, there will still be millions of vulnerable older adults who rely on that familiar knock on the door that provides peace of mind and hope beyond the meal itself,” said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America.
The OPC Summer Soiree is a signature fundraising event to support daily hot and nutritionally balanced meals to seniors. Throughout the pandemic, requests for the service increased as more seniors stayed home and many were unable to shop for or prepare their own meals. With tremendous commitment from dedicated OPC volunteers and staff, hot meals were expanded and new requests were fulfilled within 24 hours. No waiting list, no red tape, no senior going hungry.
Meals on Wheels currently prepares and delivers meals to over 330 vulnerable seniors daily. Funds raised by the Summer Soiree support the program and ensure that the OPC is able to continue providing exemplary service to seniors in need. Helping seniors age well is at the very heart of the OPC’s mission, and stable, healthful nutrition is critical to well-being. Inadequate nutrition can lead to increased risk of falls, limited mobility, and reduced ability for self-care — each with the potential to prematurely drive our seniors into institutional care.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, contact Colleen Burtka at 248-659-1034 or cburtka@opcseniorcenter.org.