Event raises funds, awareness of Meals on Wheels

Community members of all ages helped raise money for the Senior Center of Boulder City’s Meals on Wheels program Saturday at the inaugural Rock, Roll &Stroll fundraiser.

The family-friendly event held at Veterans’ Memorial Park featured games, food vendors and live entertainment for volunteers and area residents who came out to support the program.

Participants were asked to secure donation pledges in accordance with the amount of time they rocked, rolled or strolled Saturday morning. For hours nimble crusaders strolled around Pratte Soccer Field, while those less mobile rocked away the day in rocking chairs or rolled laps around the park’s pond in wheelchairs.

Although a national program, Meals on Wheels is administrated locally and receives funding from Nevada’s Aging and Disability Services, as well as local agencies but it is not enough to cover the costs annually.

Susan Johnson, president of the senior center’s board of directors, said food is expensive and they rely on fundraisers to subsidize the provisions and cover the gap. It costs the center about $77,000 a year to provide the meals.

“The amount raised at the event far exceeded our expectations and will greatly benefit our Meals on Wheels program,” she said.

“The weather Friday night had us worried,” said Johnson, “but the day turned out sunny and beautiful, the crowd was great and everyone had a great time. We’re so grateful for the way the city turned out and for the support we received from local businesses and the entire community.”

The day kicked off with opening remarks from Boulder City Mayor Rod Woodbury before attendees were treated to karaoke, games, contests, a pair of raffles and live music from local bands.

“We had people from all over the community putting up posters and collecting pledges,” said volunteer and Rock, Roll &Stroll committee member Alice Therien. “There are a lot of hungry and lonely seniors out there. There is no reason in the world for a senior to go hungry in this town.”

The senior center prepares hot meals Monday through Friday, available to any senior for only $2, and Meals on Wheels volunteers deliver the same fresh food to seniors who aren’t mobile enough to come in person. The volunteers also deliver two frozen meals on Fridays to make sure those in need have food over the weekend.

“Meals and Wheels volunteers serve between 50 and 60 people five days a week,” said senior center board member and volunteer May Kahl. “Many of those seniors wouldn’t eat a hot meal most days if not for the senior center.”

In the past the center has relied on small fundraisers, added Kahl, but after the success of Rock, Roll &Stroll the board hopes to replace them with this type of larger event.

More information about the Meals on Wheels program or volunteer opportunities at the senior center is available by calling 702-293-3320 or visiting www.seniorcenterbouldercity.org.

Contact reporter Hunter Terry at hterry@bouldercityreview.com or call 702-586-9565. Follow him on Twitter @HunterBCReview