Meals on Wheels San Diego County to Host 'Reels on Wheels' Gala

San Diego CA

14 July, 2021

6:48 PM

Description

Get ready to have a blast this summer with nonprofit Meals on Wheels San Diego County at its "Reels on Wheels" Drive-In Grease Sing-Along Gala on Saturday, Aug. 14 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina. Attendees will have the opportunity to sing and jive to the most successful movie musical of all time, "Grease." Sing-along lyrics will be shown on the movie screen and all attendees are encouraged to dress the part. "We planned a drive-in so that we could all gather safely but we are hopeful that, after over a year of online events and keeping our distance, we'll be up out of our cars and on the dance floor. We are so excited to finally come together for a good cause and help raise critical funds for our senior community in need," says Brent Wakefield, president and CEO, Meals on Wheels San Diego County. A record-breaking yearDuring the pandemic last year, Meals on Wheels San Diego County delivered nearly 600,000 meals throughout San Diego County, which is a 50 percent increase in the number of clients served. The pandemic left many older adults cut off from their family and support networks, making them vulnerable to the negative health effects of isolation. With the COVID-19 restrictions, volunteers can no longer enter homes during deliveries, but still take time to chat with clients outside from a safe distance for a few minutes while wearing a face mask and gloves. Although the region has opened back up, the nonprofit doesn't see the urgency for meals decreasing as the population it serves remains the most vulnerable to coronavirus, with many seniors remaining home, and in most cases, alone. For 60 years, Meals on Wheels San Diego County has fought malnutrition and loneliness, two of the biggest threats to the well-being of homebound seniors. Frequently, a Meals on Wheels San Diego County volunteer may be the only person clients see all day, providing human contact and a safety net of compassion and conversation, particularly for those seniors living alone. Lives are saved nearly every week because a Meals on Wheels San Diego County volunteer called the proper emergency personnel for someone who has fallen, had a stroke, or simply needs additional resources. Oh, those summer nightsTickets to the sing-a-long event start at $250 for general admission. Group and VIP tickets are also available for purchase. Attendees will have the chance to win exciting prizes through silent and live auction, and an opportunity drawing with all event proceeds benefiting Meals on Wheels San Diego County's mission. Sponsorships are still available. For tickets, event details, to become a sponsor, or to simply get involved with Meals on Wheels San Diego County, visit meals-on-wheels.org for more information. "With the help of thousands of volunteers every year, our organization not only delivers hot meals every day, but also warm smiles to more than 2,000 clients countywide," says Wakefield. "We work to provide nutritious meals to our local seniors in need and events like our annual gala help us continue our work to keep our clients healthy, independent, and ensure they don't feel alone." Event Calendar Details"Reels on Wheels" Drive-In Grease Sing-Along GalaHosted by Meals on Wheels San Diego CountySaturday, Aug. 14, 2021Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina1380 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101Tickets can be purchased at meals-on-wheels.org About Meals on Wheels San Diego CountyThe impact Meals on Wheels has on the seniors they serve goes far beyond the wholesome meals provided. Daily friendly contact provides important socialization for those who may be isolated with little or no connection to the outside world. Lives are often saved in the course of delivering meals when a person does not respond to a knock on the door, has fallen, or may have become ill. For 60 years, Meals on Wheels San Diego County has contributed to the overall well-being of seniors by providing regular nutrition and daily contact with a caring volunteer. Learn more at www.meals-on-wheels.org or call 800.5.SENIOR.