After a two-year hiatus, the 7th Heels for Meals & More was an unparalleled success for people who attended and for the aging adults who will be served by the money raised.
More than $68,410 was raised, including a $10,000 matching gift from an anonymous donor.
“It was so amazing to see all the people who attended posting on their social media about what a great time they had,” Executive Director Kris Collee said. “Expanding the programs funded also energized more people to participate. Ultimately the aging adults who need all of our services will benefit and that’s very gratifying.”
Traditionally, a fundraising event to support Meals on Wheels and other nutrition programs, this year’s event added the “& More” to open up support for SafeSeniors, Senior Medical Transportation, the Wellness Center, Senior Activities and the Driftwood Café.
All the favorite elements of this fast-paced event were back: Greatest Needs, Live, Silent and Good Fortune Auctions, hand painted Signature Glasses, the rousing Heads or Heels game, the creative Best Shoe Contest, Signature Cocktails and a delicious dinner. The event was held at The Event Center at Fricano’s and catered by Harris Catering. CMF Marketing handled site logistics.
“People love attending our Heels event,” Advancement Director Diane Smith said. “We’ve really missed being able to hold it during the pandemic. Based on the attendance and support we received, so did the community.”
A total of 32 sponsors with combined contributions of $19,630 including in-kind donations helped underwrite the event. Three auctions showcased more than $15,000 in services and goods, the majority of it donated. The Live, Silent and Good Fortune Auctions raised a combined total of $15,857. Many of the items were handmade by local artisans or were gift cards and free passes to local festivals, events or restaurants.
The Greatest Needs Auction, however, was the big winner of the night, providing an array of services for aging adults with the $23,740 raised. This number was boosted significantly thanks to a generous anonymous donor who made a heartfelt gift to match the total raised up to $10,000.
Below are some of the items that were funded and the amount funded:
| Item Funded | Amount Funded |
|---|---|
| Replace engine of a 2015 Ford Taurus for Senior Transportation. | $3,000 |
| A seated elliptical machine for the Fitness Room. | $3,945 |
| Feed 2 + seniors for 1 year cost $1,680 a year. | $3,900 |
| Sponsor 2+ Safe Seniors Lunch & Learn cost $800 each. | $1,750 |
| 10 Anti-Fatigue Mats for Tanglewood Park Kitchen. | $560 |
| Air Mover Carpet/Floor Blower to dry Tanglewood Park kitchen floor. | $250 |
| 28 round trip medical rides for Senior Transportation Cost $50. | $1,400 |
| Café, funds use TBD by Café Manager & Food Service Director | $1,500 |
Planning is already underway for the April 22, 2023, event, which will celebrate AgeWell Services’ 50th Anniversary.
