THE 2022 GIVING CHALLENGE WAS A HUGE SUCCESS IN HELPING FEED MANATEE!
The 2022 Giving Challenge was an exciting 24-hour giving event that took place from Noon to Noon on April 26th and 27th that connected local nonprofit organizations with donors and community members to build relationships, support diverse causes, and create enduring impact in Manatee County.
Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee raised nearly $128,000 from 529 donors during the 24-hour Giving Challenge. In addition, the $100,000 Challenge Gift from Deerbrook Charitable Trust given to match gifts made in March, April, and May was exceeded! Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee finished #15 overall among the 669 organizations participating in the 2022 Giving Challenge.
We are thankful to all the donors that made this giving event a huge success! If you missed your chance to donate during the Giving Challenge, you can make a secure gift online to Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee and help us #FeedManatee by clicking here.
WE NEED YOUR VOTE!
Please vote for Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee for Best Nonprofit Organization (Under Services>Nonprofit Organization). Your vote will show that you value the important work we do to feed and support the people of Manatee County. VOTE DAILY! Voting ends Friday, May 6th. We appreciate your vote! Click here to vote.
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 any 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
If you are heading up North, please consider donating your unopened items to The Food Bank of Manatee. Click here for more information.
SIGN UP FOR A BOWL-PAINTING PARTY
Every November, we host Empty Bowls events that benefit The Food Bank of Manatee and help fight hunger in our local community. As we look ahead to the fall, we need help painting bowls. If you are interested in helping, we will be having Bowl-painting Parties on May 11th, 19th, and 25th from 12pm-1pm. To ensure we have enough supplies, please click here to RSVP. Bring a lunch and enjoy being a part of this worthwhile cause! If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
SUPPORT US AT MUSIC ON MAIN
On Friday, May 6th, the whole community is invited to come out for Music on Main, a free concert and block party open to the public! Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee has been designated the beneficiary of the event, which is hosted by Lakewood Ranch Communities. The event runs from 6-9 pm on Lakewood Ranch Main Street and will feature rock, soul, and R&B performer Paul Fournier. This free concert event is family friendly.The street is lined with food vendors, beer trucks, and sponsor booths, as well as rides and activities for the kids. A portion of sales from the event will benefit Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. It’s a ton of fun and all for a good cause! Click here for more information.
WONDERFUL TREATS GIVEN TO EMPLOYEES AT MEALS ON WHEELS PLUS OF MANATEE
The employees of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee want to thank Toni Jean B. who generously donated holiday treats to show appreciation for the staff and all their hard work in helping #FeedManatee. Delivering these special treats was a furry, holiday bunny who hopped through the offices and brought smiles to all the employees at Meals on Wheels PLUS! Thank you for the sweet treats, Toni Jean!
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
An enormous thanks to the Dart Club of Country Lakes II for donating to Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. The Dart Club believes in our mission and wanted to make a difference in the local community. Donations like these greatly impact our efforts to #FeedManatee.
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
On Thursday, April 21st, we showed our appreciation for our dedicated volunteers at our 2022 Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon. The luncheon was made possible thanks to a generous donation from the presenting sponsor, Humana and support from donor Mary Peterson.
Without our volunteers, our mission to #FeedManatee would not be possible. From sorting food to delivering meals and everything in-between, these volunteers are the heart of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee.
At the luncheon, the following individuals/organizations were recognized for their volunteering excellence:
Marcia and Ron Owens
Outstanding Meal Delivery Team
Ken Handelman
Most Valuable Food Bank Volunteer
Melanie Nelson
Best Car Loader
Pat McDonald
Best Daybreak Adult Day Center Volunteer
Cheri Lindgren
Best Telephone Reassurance Volunteer
Lou Towery
Most Valuable Youth Volunteer
Bonny Jean Reiff
Shoebox Angel
Esplanade
Most Generous Neighborhood Award
Louise Coviello
Rookie of the Year
Mike Neville and Bill Lehnert
Above and Beyond Team
Easter Seals – Renell Daniels and Barbra Berger
Outstanding Volunteer Group
Marlena Johnsky
for 30 Years of Dedicated Service
If you are inspired by our wonderful volunteers, you can become a volunteer today by registering here.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Thanks to The Out-of-Door Academy for donating nearly 1,400 lbs of peanut butter and jelly to The Food Bank of Manatee, a PLUS program of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. The donation was part of their 2022 Spirit Day competition.
During the summer, when kids are out of school, the need for food at The Food Bank goes up. Donating lunch items, like peanut butter and jelly, will help local families fight hunger this summer.
If you are interested in learning more about food drives and food donations, please click here!
