TROPICAL NIGHTS, A ROYAL AFFAIR
The 28th Annual Tropical Nights, A Royal Affair, benefiting Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, will take place on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at The Grove Ballroom. This event promises to be a unique experience! There are several sponsorship levels, ticket options, and other ways to participate in Tropical Nights 2022—all fit for a Royal King and Queen!
We hope you will join us as we have some jolly, good fun! All proceeds from Tropical Nights stay right here in our local community. So, save the date, put on your crowns and tiaras, and get ready to join A Royal Affair! Click here to buy tickets.
TROPICAL NIGHTS SPECIAL ONLINE AUCTION
Can’t make Tropical Nights this year? You can still support Meals on Wheels PLUS by either making a donation or bidding on our many online auction items. All proceeds benefit the programs of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee and stay right here in our local community. Don’t forget to share the auction link with friends and family. The more bidders, the better. Bid high and bid often! Click here for more info.
WE NEED FOOD! PLEASE HOST A FOOD DRIVE!
The Food Bank of Manatee is an independent Food Bank and the only Food Bank based in Manatee County. That means we rely 100% on the support of our community to make sure the shelves are always stocked! With the rising costs we are all experiencing for housing, gas, and food, many families are turning to our network of food pantries for assistance. We need businesses, organizations, neighborhoods, faith groups and families to help feed food-insecure families. You can greatly impact our community by coordinating a Food Drive! Click here to register your Food Drive!
Have food to donate? You can drop off at at Manatee County Goodwill or Public Library location. Just look for the yellow barrel. You can also donate here at The Food Bank of Manatee. Help us #FeedManatee
A SPECIAL MONTH-LONG MARCH FOR MEALS
During the month of March, alongside Meals on Wheels organizations across the country, we celebrate Meals on Wheels PLUS and the seniors we serve as we March for Meals together. March for Meals provides a wonderful opportunity to engage public officials and community leaders and helps raise public awareness for the nutritional and social needs of seniors. Local representatives and officials participate in our Home-delivered Meals program by delivering meals to our clients. Every day, we are meeting the immediate needs of our clients by providing nutrition and compassion. Stay tuned for more information on March for Meals!
FRIENDSHIP DINING OPENING SOON
Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee is preparing to reopen Friendship Dining Centers in Manatee County. Locations slated to be opened soon include: Rubonia Community Center in Palmetto and The Center of Anna Maria Island on Anna Maria Island. Information sessions will be held in March.
The Friendship Dining Program is for people over 60 who would like to make new friends, participate in fun activities, and hear from local experts on a variety of topics as well as enjoy a nutritious meal. In some instances, transportation can be provided.
If you or someone you know is interested in Friendship Dining, please click here.
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
Thanks to Bank of America for providing masks and gloves. These will be so important in providing safety for our volunteers and clients as we #FeedManatee.
“As part of the local community, we understand its economy, culture, strengths and challenges. We’re able to deliver effective solutions and service by matching the right resources to our clients’ individual needs.” -Bank of America
If you are interested in learning more about our current funding needs, there are opportunities for you to help, too! Click here to find out how!
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
“Fun!” That is what best describes Mike’s volunteer experience at Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. “Helping people and meeting people is so much fun,” he added.
As Mike describes, he grew up on limited means. And limited means equates to limited opportunities. But that wasn’t going to hold back Mike, who eventually graduated with an M.B.A. from Appalachian State University. Mike promised himself that if he ever had the ability to help people, he would. Mike has made good on that promise. After retiring, Mike volunteered at a Meals on Wheels in Pennsylvania. He started off washing pots and dishes from the meal preparation and then started delivering meals one day a week.
After moving to Florida, his wife’s friends suggested volunteering at Sack Summer Hunger, a summer feeding program of The Food Bank of Manatee. Mike loved the experience instantly. At the time, Mike did not know that The Food Bank of Manatee was a PLUS program of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. Mike has volunteered doing a number of things such as sorting food at the Food Bank and helping with food distribution at Mobile Produce Pantry locations. But Mike says the most fun he has is volunteering at events like Empty Bowls. “I just love meeting all the nice volunteers and employees at Meals on Wheels PLUS and helping people at the same time,” says Mike.
Inspired by Mike’s story and interested in volunteering? You can become a volunteer today by registering here.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Thanks to all the generous volunteers that made and donated lap robes. We received so many phone calls from our clients thanking us and the donors for the extra gift they received!
“I want to express how much the blanket received warmed my husband’s heart and how much we appreciate Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee,” said one of our clients!
