On Saturday, June 11th, 2016, Meals on Wheels San Diego County proudly hosted its largest fundraiser of the year: the Ragin’ Cajun Bayou

Blowout. The Louisiana-themed event took place at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina Pavilion, a change from the ballroom where previous years’ galas were held. The new space was a blank canvas that allowed the creation of a starry-night bayou scene that set the stage for a magical evening. Supporters arrived in their bayou-best, which included everything from voodoo vixen attire to seersucker suits straight out of the Big Easy. The event began with the 7th Annual Chef Appetizer Challenge, where guests sampled tasty appetizers from an eclectic group of San Diego chefs who put forth their delicious offerings in the hopes of winning the coveted “Chefy” award and bragging rights for the next year. Local chefs who took part in the competition included Chef John Bickley, Backyard Kitchen & Tap; Chef Mario Cassineri, Bice Ristorante San Diego; Proprietor Michael McGeath, Brooklyn Girl Eatery; Cookie Dutch, Chopped Junior Champion; Chef Alberto Morreale, Farmer’s Bottega; Chef Mario Medina, The Main Course; Chef Karl Abernathy, The Promiscuous Fork; Chef Stafford Mather, Top of the Market; Chef Rich Sweeney, Waypoint Public.

After tasting each of the imaginative appetizers, guests cast their votes for their favorite. While last year’s winner, Chef Karl Abernathy, came in a close second, TV's Chopped Junior Champion, Cookie Dutch took home the Chefy award with her Cajun meatball dish—and at only 14 years old!

As the silent auction and chef challenge concluded, guests were led into the dinner portion of the evening pied piper-style by Zydeco kings Billy Lee & The Swamp Critters, one of San Diego’s most well-known Cajun bands. Guests danced their way into the swamp-themed dinner area, complete with a bayou-style cabin built by Event Chair Tom North. The three-course meal also followed the creole theme, accompanied by wine by Gen7. Guests sipped on signature Hurricane cocktails as emcee Dwane Brown welcomed one and all.

A thirteen-item live auction led, by auctioneer Zack Krone, followed dinner service, including one-of-a-kind trips to New York City and Washington D.C. with unique experiences that could not be found elsewhere. Guests raised their paddles high and often, making for the most successful live auction to date for Meals on Wheels. Event

Chair Tom North gave an emotional speech about his involvement with Meals on Wheels and the importance of the organization for the community, which brought the room to their feet in a standing ovation. Finally, after a highly successful "Adopt-a-Senior" bidding session to raise final donations, Billy Lee & The Swamp Critters rounded out the evening with more Zydeco tunes, and guests got on their feet to dance the rest of the night away.

Meals on Wheels San Diego County is proud and honored to announce that this year’s gala was the most successful to date. The Ragin’ Cajun Bayou Blowout raised a total of $290,000. These critical funds will allow us to continue our programs that support San Diego seniors to keep them safe and healthy. We are thrilled about the results of this fundraiser and a good time was had by all. Next year's gala, scheduled for June 10, 2017, is already in the planning stages and promises to be even more exciting than the last!

Thank you to our event sponsors: Union Bank, Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, PSAV, Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians, ADESA San Diego, DLA Piper, IES Communications, Langlois Fancy Frozen Food, Inc., Pecoraro, Inc., US Bank, Pillsbury Law, SDG&E, The UPS Store, Caliber Funding, McMahon Steel Company, Ana & Gary Gramling, SCAN Health Plan, Dr. John & Karen Morse, Daralyne M. Baddour, CPA, The Alibi, Eye/Comm, Barona Resort & Casino, California Coast Credit Union, First American Title, Marissa Tuer & Sharla Dabney with The Heritage Escrow Company, The Lamplighter, US Foods, Sandra & Russ Valone, Kristi Pieper & Family, The Zenith, Backdrops Beautiful, Bruce Ives, Nanci Porter, Dos Gringos—A Flower Company, Allenbrooke Insurance Services, Pacific Plus Photography, Alex Hurtado Photography, Modern Aperture, Non Stop Signs, Devlin Jones.

Gratitude Corner

We are most grateful for the funders who help us keep our wheels rolling. • Kathleen M. Coleman CPA, Inc. $5,000• The Cushman Family Foundation $5,000 • The Louis and Gladyce Foster Family Foundation

$15,000• Harrah’s Resort Southern California $3,000• Kellogg’s Employee Giving $18,000• Maurice Masserini Trust $5,000• Meals on Wheels America $7,500• The Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation

$10,000• Pacific Life Foundation $5,000• The Arthur & Jeanette Pratt Memorial Fund $2,000• The Pettus Foundation $3,000• San Diego Downtown Lion’s Club $4,964• San Diego County Charitable Organization (CECO)

$1,479• SCAN Health Plan $ 20,000• Subaru $20,000• SDG&E $4,000• Sycuan Casino $10,000• Thursday Club Foundation $11,500

TOGETHER, WE CAN DELIVER!™

Delightful, engaged, energetic and endearing – all words that only just begin to describe our lovely, Canadian-born Meals on Wheels client, Laura. This

well-traveled, savvy, 84-year-young senior has seen it all! Not only has she journeyed to every state within the United States with the exception of Alaska, her foreign adventures have taken her to such places as Thailand, New ZeAlland and Singapore where she lived for many years during the 1970s. And yet, when asked about her favorite place she has experienced as a seasoned explorer, she is quick to remark, “San Diego of course. This is my home!” To Laura, her home in El Cajon is, and always has been, her haven and sanctuary.

When listening to the stories Laura tells of her life adventures, it doesn’t take long to realize that Laura was somewhat of a maverick; a strong-willed woman born ahead of her time. Like so many of us, life sometimes throws us some challenges and Laura hasn’t come away unscathed. One of her three young children suffered an accident that left permanent brain damage and later Laura left a marriage that was no longer viable. All this occurred during

a time when divorce was still very much a stigma and being a single working mother was somewhat unusual. Having a strong work ethic, Laura even tells a story of the time she stood up to a superior when her loyalty to the company was questioned. Rising from her seated position and placing her hands firmly on her hips she chastised him for even thinking this of her. This swagger resulted in her next promotion!

While taking a vacation in Hawaii, Laura decided to free herself of her traveling companions and sunbathe on the beach solo. There she met Jim, and before long, the two were smitten. Several trips back to Hawaii sealed the deal and Laura and Jim were married, the celebration that began a 35-year love affair.

Several years later, Jim, who traveled extensively for his job at Rohr Aircraft, told Laura he was offered a stint in Singapore. Laura was on board! While many Americans working in Singapore engaged the comforts of maid and chauffeur service, Laura was determined to pay off the mortgage back home. Fearless, she traveled alone throughout Singapore, much like a native. After a time, Jim was given the opportunity to stay in Singapore permanently. Laura, however, was adamant about returning home. She missed the neighborhood she loved.

When talking about the more challenging episodes in her life, Laura is bright and cheery. However, when speaking of Jim, who passed five years ago, her voice quivers. Visibly moved and saddened Laura shares, “It is so very, very hard. He was the love of my life.”

After Jim’s passing, Laura’s daughter Gail, who lives in Canada and is an active volunteer for Meals on Wheels, suggested her mother start meal delivery. Healthy cooking for just one was something she was not doing. Now, not only is Laura eating right, she loves the food that comes in her daily lunches, especially “all the yummy little items that I can eat throughout the day.” And, she quips, “I enjoy talking to the volunteers who visit as well.”

With the help of Meals on Wheels, Laura doesn’t have to worry if she is eating right, which keeps her healthy and independent in her home (her favorite place). After all, this is her refuge where she feels secure and connected to her family and especially, her late husband Jim, and a lifetime of sweet memories. K

A Meals on Wheels San Diego County publication FALL, 2016

Indomitable Laura

LET'S DO LUNCH

Our volunteers are our lifeblood: without their dedicated efforts, we

would not be able to serve San Diego seniors to the extent that we do. However, the need for our service is growing exponentially. More than 1 in 6 seniors in the U.S. face the threat of

hunger and more than 1 in 4 are living in isolation. The senior population is projected to surge: that’s why it’s vital that our volunteer base keeps pace with this growth. Meals on Wheels America, the national organization that supports over 1200 individual Meals on Wheels’ member organizations throughout the country, realized this pressing need and has launched a national campaign in response.

The “America, Let’s Do Lunch” campaign is being promoted country-wide across television, radio, print and on various social media platforms, and invites Americans to donate their lunch breaks to deliver meals to seniors in their community. The campaign’s Public Service Announcements feature modern portraits and touching videos that highlight inspiring stories of a few of the over 2.4 million seniors Meals on Wheels organizations serve across the country in an effort to recruit urgently-needed volunteers.

For a little more than the length of a lunch break, everyone can make a difference in the lives of the seniors in their community. For more information on how you can be involved, visit americaletsdolunch.org or search #LetsDoLunch on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. San Diego, Let’s Do Lunch! K

In Fond Memory of Joy Ledford (Emeritus)

On August 2, 2016 Meals on Wheels lost a member of our

family. For those of you who knew Joy, her name says it all. She lived a wonderful and joyous life always car-ing for those less fortunate. She lived for her family and to give back to her community. We, at Meals on Wheels San Diego County, are so fortunate to be have been part of her “circle” for almost 40 years. Joy, you will be missed. K

2 MEALS ON WHEELS SAN DIEGO COUNTY

Debbie CasePresident & CEO

From the PresidentMetamorphosis Once Again

Meals on Wheels has been in existence for 56 years in San Diego County. Over the decades, the organization has morphed to the needs of the

senior population. In 1960, we were known as Work with Senior Citizens with a drop-in center for seniors and some in-home visitations. A Board of Trustees was formed in 1968 and we became Senior Adult Services with a Volunteer Visitor program of trained and supervised volunteers.

Senior Adult Services was incorporated as a non-profit in 1970 with special services for the Hispanic elderly. The Meals on Wheels program, in full, was developed in 1971, along with a program to help seniors with their income tax filing and bill paying.

As the home delivered program grew, our name changed again in 1996 to Meals-on-Wheels Greater San Diego, Inc. With each of these name changes, our logo also changed. Although our name and logo changed, our mission has held steadfast; supporting the independence and well-being of seniors through the delivery of healthy meals and providing social contact with a caring volunteer.

2016 brings another metamorphosis. On July 1st we adopted the name, Meals on Wheels San Diego County, along with a new logo. Our new name clearly defines our reach in the community at large to encompass the majority of the county and far beyond the original boundaries of our service. The initial logo was developed by Meals on Wheels America and symbolizes the power found in people coming together in forward movement – where the wheels of urgency generate an energy that is the essence of the organization. By adapting this logo for our organization, we are able to gather an increased presence in the market with a new nationwide Ad Council Campaign recently launched by Meals on Wheels America, allowing us to gain much needed volunteers and monetary support.

Meals on Wheels San Diego County has certainly grown from humble beginnings, delivering to 17 individuals and having hospitals provide our food. Now delivering nearly

a half a million meals a year, we continue to change and adapt to the growing need. Through this latest metamorphosis, our goal is to gain more volunteers of all ages to deliver meals and social contact to more seniors throughout the county and to raise the funds necessary in order to keep seniors independent and in their own homes, where they

want to be. K

Ragin’ Cajun Bayou Blowout event, Meals on Wheels’ most successful gala to date. But, ask Tom what he finds most rewarding about being involved with Meals on Wheels and he will tell you it is all about interacting with the seniors we serve. In addition to sitting on the Board of Trustees, Tom also leads “Service Saturdays,” a once-a-month cleanup of the home of a Meals on Wheels’ client in need. Tom’s leadership in these Service Saturday events has brought together a younger demographic of volunteers to give their time to seniors who can no longer keep up with simple maintenance on their homes. “Through my work with

619.260.6110 WWW.MEALS-ON-WHEELS.ORG 3

Ali assisted in building a robust social media presence to spread awareness for our cause and was instrumental in executing two of the largest fundraising events of the year, both of which resulted in crucial funds being raised for San Diego seniors. Ali encourages other college students and young people to pursue involvement with the organization: “Being involved with Meals on Wheels really makes you feel like you are a part of something greater!”

Volunteer Spotlight

Board Member Tom North wears many hats for Meals on Wheels San Diego County. Throughout

his five years of involvement with Meals on Wheels, he has been engaged in nearly all of our fundraising events. Most recently, Tom was chair of the

Ali Duarte has always had a close relationship with her grandparents. The respect she

learned from them through their stories and teachings growing up inspired her to pursue a degree in gerontology, the

If you are looking for a good-hearted guy, look no further. Allan, who has been volunteering out of the North

County office for several years, loves helping others. After retiring from the San Onofre power plant, Allan needed something to occupy his time. Allan decided to volunteer to keep himself busy and give back to his community.

scientific study of aging and the elderly. Now, Ali is a soon-to-be gerontology graduate from SDSU, and her involvement with Meals on Wheels San Diego County has been both a learning experience as well as a commitment to a cause she is passionate about. Ali originally applied to be a meal delivery volunteer, but jumped at the chance to become a Development Intern with Meals on Wheels last year. “I want to help older adults have the best possible quality of life,” says Ali, and she has made major strides towards that goal through her contributions as an intern.

Service Saturdays, I have seen how a few hours of the volunteers’ time not only improves the quality of life for our seniors, but also improves their overall state of mind,” says Tom. “For me, there is no greater feeling than seeing the smile on the seniors' faces when we leave them with a beautiful, clean home again.” It is the passion, enthusiasm and generosity of individuals like Tom that will light the way for future generations of dedicated volunteers. Tom has led the community by example, spreading the message that EVERYONE can participate in giving back to the seniors in San Diego County. K

He first started volunteering for a local hospital where he shuttled patients and employees between buildings as well as helped in the hospital cafeteria. His connection to seniors was solidified when an elderly woman asked if she could have any leftovers from the hospital cafeteria because she didn’t have any food at home. This, of course, was not possible. Allan’s heart was broken for the senior who obviously had medical bills and could not afford food. Out of the goodness of his heart, Allan purchased groceries for the elderly woman and, after this experience, decided there was much more to be done for San Diego seniors. Soon after, Allan joined the roster of the Meals on Wheels family. Now, Allan

delivers every week and often fills in when other volunteers call in sick or a route does not have coverage due to vacations. Even though delivering meals and a social visit is all that is required of a Meals on Wheels volunteer, it’s not uncommon for Allan to be seen helping out with little tasks for clients on his route. Whether it’s taking out the trash, a minor fix-it job, or enjoying a great conversation, Allan does so much more than delivering a meal. And yet, there is a mutual reward. Allan not only enriches the lives of the seniors he visits, he is rewarded in knowing that he has made a substantial difference in their lives . . . as well as his own. K

Tom North

Ali Duarte

Allan