This was an EXCITING year for the annual DTE Energy Holiday Meal! The event took place on Thursday, December 15. After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic during which the utmost caution was used, we were able to host a more traditional holiday meal at nine Lunch & Activity Centers in Muskegon and Ottawa counties including entertainment, festive decorations and in-person dining. Entertainment included a range of live music from acoustic to piano and French horn. Many stories, conversations, laughs and smiles were shared as community members were able to enjoy company with one another. While many of our Lunch & Activity Centers were at in-person capacity, we still offered to-go meals for those who weren’t comfortable dining in person. Overall, in addition to Meals on Wheels deliveries in Muskegon, Oceana and Ottawa counties, AgeWell Services’ and volunteers served over 3,200 meals! WOW! Check out some of the exciting pictures taken throughout the day below.
The 2022 holiday meal menu included cranberry brie stuffed chicken breast, mashed potatoes and gravy, chunk applesauce with cinnamon, Prince Charles veggies, salad, dinner roll / butter and dessert. We heard that the peanut butter pie was a phenomenal hit, the overall meal was outstanding and have had calls to see if there are any left overs. Sadly, there aren’t, but don’t worry – we’ve given the compliments to our Food Services team.
The annual DTE Energy Holiday Meal event is made special by many. We partner with DTE Energy Foundation, Senior Resources of West Michigan, Muskegon County Senior Millage, Lunch & Activity Centers sites, CALL 2-1-1 and United Way of the Lakeshore in a variety of ways, including financially, volunteers, reservations and more. Our SafeSeniors Detectives were able to join at three Holiday Meal sites. In addition to our Meals on Wheels volunteers, over 20 volunteers donated their time at our Lunch & Activity Centers.
Thank you to everyone for helping make this day so special for adults 60 and older in Muskegon, Oceana and Ottawa counties of West Michigan.
The meal was great again this year. Thanks to all the volunteers and the sponsor organizations.
We’re so glad to hear you enjoyed it!