Meals on Wheels of Sarasota recently gathered at the Church of the Redeemer for a special evening dedicated to the people who make our mission possible—our incredible volunteers.
From the moment guests arrived, the spirit of gratitude was clear. Volunteers were warmly greeted with goody bags, brand-new Meals on Wheels shirts, and lanyards, setting the tone for a night of celebration and connection. Board members proudly stepped into the role of servers, treating volunteers to a delicious Italian dinner catered by Gordon Food Services, a small gesture of thanks for the countless hours our volunteers give year-round.
The evening program began with a heartfelt welcome from Kate, who shared the deep-rooted history between Meals on Wheels and the Church of the Redeemer. As one of our founding churches, Redeemer has been a steadfast partner in our mission for decades. Kate also shared exciting news—Meals on Wheels recently received a $35,000 grant from the Church of the Redeemer, further strengthening our ability to serve vulnerable neighbors in our community.
Next, Catherine, our Volunteer Coordinator, took the stage to highlight volunteer milestones and share 2025 volunteer statistics, showcasing the collective impact of our volunteer force. She recognized volunteers who have faithfully served for 5, 10, and even 20 years, honoring their commitment, compassion, and consistency.
Wendy, Program Manager, followed with a powerful mission moment, sharing a story of how a client’s life was saved thanks to a routine wellness check. This moving reminder underscored the vital role volunteers play—not just delivering meals, but providing safety, connection, and care.
John, Board President, expressed sincere gratitude to the volunteers and shared updates on what the board has been working on behind the scenes to support and grow the organization. His remarks reinforced how essential volunteers are to every level of Meals on Wheels’ success.
To close the program, Executive Director Rhonda thanked volunteers for their dedication and kicked off a look ahead at what’s coming next for Meals on Wheels—new opportunities, continued growth, and an unwavering commitment to serving our neighbors with dignity and compassion.
After the formal program, volunteers enjoyed time to eat, chat, and reconnect, strengthening the relationships that make our volunteer community so special. The evening wrapped up with one of the most anticipated moments—Paper Plate Awards and raffle prizes, hosted by Kate and Catherine. Laughter, applause, and joyful surprises filled the room as volunteers were celebrated in creative and heartfelt ways.
We are endlessly grateful for our volunteers—the heart of Meals on Wheels. Thank you for your time, your kindness, and your unwavering dedication. This evening was just one small way to say what we feel every day: we couldn’t do this without you. 💙