More than a Meal: Gala planned to help provide critical services, support for local seniors

Rockwall, TX (August 7, 2023) – Nourishment. Independence. Support. Opportunity. Community. Purpose. Hope. Grace. Dignity.

Is there simply ONE of these words that resonates most with a senior citizen? At Meals on Wheels Senior Services of Rockwall County, we address ALL of them!

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are OPEN for our 2023 “AND SO IT BEGINS” gala, sponsored by Interstate Classic Cars.

Join us Saturday, October 21 as we take you through the Past, Present, and Future of Meals on Wheels Senior Services (MOWSS). The evening will include a carefully curated menu, specialty cocktails, unique design elements, silent and live auction, music and dancing, a reception for VIP sponsors, and more. The evening will be a memorable event as we raise money to support our seniors and disabled neighbors in Rockwall County.

Over 45 years ago, MOWSS began as a grass-roots movement with local community members looking out for their elderly neighbors. Concerned for the health and well-being of seniors who could not shop for or prepare meals, this group began preparing meals in neighborhood kitchens and delivering them to seniors throughout Rockwall County. These volunteer efforts took hold, and the Rockwall County Committee on Aging was founded in 1978.As the program grew, it became apparent that isolated homebound seniors needed more than a meal. Today, more than 300 homebound seniors receive meals every day. Our congregate sites in Royse City and Fate serve over 1,600 meals each month. Furthermore, collaboration with several local agencies allows us to provide our senior clients with access to the services they need to remain healthy and independent.

Our growth has been tremendous, but the need for support continues to outpace the public funding available to provide these services. MOWSS assists older adults to remain independent in their homes as long as possible by providing nutritious meals and supportive services such as Allan’s Companions program, Ani-Meals (a pet food program), emergency food boxes, information and referrals, and the Magic of Reading program. MOWSS provides 95,000 meals yearly to seniors and people with disabilities living in Rockwall County. Volunteer drivers deliver the food to clients’ homes and to congregate sites. These services are provided based on need, regardless of income.

Along with the funds raised to support our seniors and caregiver support, we will also raise money for a new centrally located KITCHEN, a Congregate Center for Rockwall County, and support offices for MOWSS Staff and agency partners! These developments will support our efforts to return to daily hot meal delivery and further address the dietary needs of our clients. The Congregate Center will provide active seniors and caregivers with a place to gather, socialize and volunteer. Under one roof will be the resources to manage our programs, prepare and distribute meal delivery, and provide education for Rockwall County on topics regarding aging, preparation, and response.With your support, the night will be magical, and our seniors and disabled citizens will not have to think twice about being NOURISHED, INDEPENDENT, SUPPORTED, GRACED WITH OPPORTUNITIES, PART OF A COMMUNITY, PURPOSEFUL, HOPEFUL, GRACEFUL, and DIGNIFIED.

For more information on tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit https://one.bidpal.net/colour22/welcome.

Sponsored content submitted by Meals on Wheels Senior Services of Rockwall County.

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