Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana kicked off the local chapter of March for Meals with its largest fundraising event of the year, the 15th annual Dine with the Chefs Gala. The Gala featured a multi-course meal prepared by chefs from across Northwest Indiana.
Upon arrival, guests were treated to hors d'oeuvres and cocktails and invited to peruse silent auction items that they were able to bid on with their smart phones. More than 350 community members, sponsors and donors were in attendance.
MOW Business Development Manager Jodi Bella, who has coordinated the Gala for three years, expressed her gratitude to both new and returning chefs who made the extravagant meal possible. "It's amazing to watch a group of people who have never worked with each other come together to prepare 350 meals," she said. "There was no competition, they just said 'Here's the goal,' and did it."
Attendees were served appetizers, a soup and salad course, striped bass and strip loin for the main dishes and dessert.
Mary Anne LaHayne, a gala committee member with 12 years of experience under her belt, agreed that the food has always been the main attraction of the event. "If someone leaves the Gala hungry, it's their own fault," she laughed.
LaHayne became involved with MOW through Tri Kappa, an organization that helps deliver to the organization's clients during the summer.
"The Gala helps us raise funds to ensure that no client is denied a meal," LaHayne said. "The food that fills us makes us realize what that food would to do for others at Meals on Wheels."
In total, $95,000 was raised at the event. The proceeds will go toward alleviating the cost of meal production.
One of MOW's goals was to raise enough money to purchase a new combination oven, the main appliance needed to make the 1,200 meals that get delivered to clients daily. During a live fundraising auction, generous individuals collectively donated more than $16,000 to the cause in a matter of minutes.
Sponsors also contributed significantly to the grand total. "We received over $10,000 in donations from sponsors," said Bella. "It's nice when someone believes in what you're doing."
MOW will continue their fundraising efforts during March for Meals, a national campaign led by Meals on Wheels programs across America. Supporters can look forward to upcoming events such as the Tomfoolery Show on March 18 at the Halls of St. George, which will feature several sketch artists and a band, as well as multiple Champions Day events, where local "champions" like police officers, firefighters and town officers will deliver meals to their fellow community members.
Founded in 1977, Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana is a non-profit serving Lake County, Indiana. Meals on Wheels delivers meals to those in need five days a week using community volunteers. Funding for meals is provided by individuals receiving meals, private foundations, grants and donations. More information about Meals on Wheels can be found at www.mownwi.org