At this time last year, we were all fully aware of Hurricane Ike’s impact on our island and throughout Galveston County. Like so many other charities, we canceled our fall fundraiser. Fortunately for us, there were no “Gulf events” this year, which means we will have our “golf events.”
Plans are in full swing for the Meals on Wheels Dinner with the Arts and Pre-Tournament Banquet with silent auction, raffle and awards at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Dinner tickets cost $25. It will be followed by our main event: The Thanksgiving Holiday Golf Tournament on Nov. 23, with registration beginning at 10:30 a.m. and tee-off at noon. Both events will take place at The Galveston Country Club.
This year, we are honoring the memory of Jackie Hadley, who was a tireless and devoted Meals on Wheels coordinator for more than 15 years. With the help of the Kiwanis Club of Galveston, Jackie helped establish the Meals on Wheels Golf Tournament. Her impact on this organization helped make it what it is today, and because of those early efforts, we proudly celebrate Meals on Wheels’ 35th anniversary this year.
The need for Meals on Wheels has become even more crucial this year, as the homebound elderly and disabled continue returning to Galveston. Some are back in their own homes, while others are adjusting to new or temporary housing. Their spirit to remain independent is stronger than ever, and as we all know, you can’t keep an islander down. We see the determination in their faces every day.
The price of a lunch is about $4, and we try to keep costs down, but there likely will be an increase next year. Recipients take pride in helping to pay for their meals, contributing what ever amount they feel they can afford, but no one is ever turned away because of inability to pay. Our goal is to say “yes” to every homebound islander who needs our services.
The golf tournament is our major fundraising event each year, and our program’s success relies on the generosity of our sponsors and donors. These donations keep our program running, as Meals on Wheels receives no government funding. All donations go directly to providing meals, and enables us to keep up with growing demands. Twelve hundred lunches are prepared and delivered monthly. Your contribution directly benefits these lives, and helps us continue our mission.
For details, call chairman Donna Kearney, 409-599-1267, or the Rev. Ray Pinard, 409-763-6437, Ext. 3519. Donations can be sent to: Meals on Wheels, 2228 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, TX 77550.
