SAN DIEGO, CA — Take a walk on the wild side while raising funds for meals for seniors in need during Meals on Wheels San Diego County’s “Jungle Jamboree” gala Saturday at San Diego’s Liberty Station.
For more than 60 years, Meals on Wheels San Diego County has provided meals, friendly conversation and warm smiles to seniors across the region.
“Going to a grocery store isn’t an option for many seniors, with or without a global pandemic at play. Our services have always been essential,” said Brent Wakefield, CEO and president of Meals on Wheels San Diego County.
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“While the pandemic brought attention to the importance of meal delivery services, the need for Meals on Wheels San Diego County continues beyond the pandemic,” he told Patch. “Seniors still face challenges in accessing nutritious meals due to mobility issues, limited income, or lack of support networks. The need remains, but unfortunately, the funding has waned. We need San Diego’s support as much as ever.”
Meals on Wheels San Diego County serves 4,300 seniors and disabled veterans annually.
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In 2022, Meals on Wheels delivered more than 624,000 meals to 4,503 clients across the county. Today, the nonprofit delivers about 50,000 meals per month, and serves around 1,800 seniors daily.
The Meals on Wheels annual gala is the organization’s biggest fundraising event of the year.
Last year, more than 200 people attended the organization’s galaxy-themed event. Wakefield said the gala raised $275,000, making it the most successful Meals on Wheels gala to date.
Nearly 300 attendees are expected to attend this year’s gala. Meals on Wheels aims to raise more than $300,000 to support its thousands of senior clients.
“The success of the Meals on Wheels fundraiser directly impacts the well-being and quality of life of its clients,” Wakefield told Patch. “This critical funding enables the organization to provide regular meals, promote good health, support independence, foster social connections, and offer specialized services, all of which are crucial for the clients’ overall welfare.”
The Jungle Jamboree gala will take place from 5:30-10:30 p.m. Saturday at Building 177 at 2875 Dewey Road in San Diego.
The event will begin with a silent auction and cocktail and appetizer reception, featuring the Chef Appetizer Showcase. The showcase will offer bites from chefs from Deckman’s, Barbusa, The Abbey Catering, Stay Classy Meats, and the staff of Meals on Wheels San Diego County.
For the showcase, each participating chef will prepare and present an appetizer, and attendees will vote on their favorite during the sit-down dinner. Following the reception, there will be dinner and a live auction. The live auction will include a jungle escape to Costa Rica, a tropical trip to Nuevo Vallarta, a Palm Springs Paradise package, and other experiences.
Visit meals-on-wheels.org to bid on auction items and purchase tickets.
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