Aimee Yamamori
Meals of Joy, a nonprofit senior meal delivery program, will host its annual fundraising gala on Saturday, Oct. 12. This year’s Party for Joy is themed “A Roaring 20s Affair” and will be hosted from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in the Tuscany Falls Ballroom at PebbleCreek in Goodyear.
Meals of Joy was founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2015 to offer fresh, delicious, and hand-delivered meals to seniors who are unable to cook for themselves or are on a limited budget. In Arizona alone, 17% of the senior population are at risk of going hungry. Every day, they make the impossible choice between basic needs such as health care, or a healthy meal.
Currently, Meals of Joy provides freshly made, healthy and ready-to-eat meals to seniors five days a week. Meal price is determined by income and meals are delivered to locations throughout the West Valley and wherever volunteer drivers are available. Since its inception, the program has grown steadily in client numbers, and now more than 800 meals a month are being delivered to seniors.
This year’s black-tie optional gala will feature a cocktail reception, dinner, and live musical entertainment. A silent auction and gift card grab bag will also be hosted. Guests can purchase a grab bag that will guarantee a gift card valued at $25 but some are worth more! But watch out, the prohibition era event will have roving police officers—if they catch anyone up to no good, they’ll be thrown in the pokey until event guests bail them out!
Each year, the gala recognizes individuals who have made a significant impact on the local senior community. This year’s distinguished Community Impact honorees are Arizona State Representative Joanne Osborne and Buckeye Mayor Jackie Meck.
“The individuals chosen for this year’s Community Impact award embody the true spirit of community leadership and dedication to those in need. Both have served the West Valley in leadership roles tirelessly for years to ensure that we are making the community we live in the best it can be,” said Meals of Joy Founder Larry Cervarich.
Event proceeds will benefit the fund that helps to provide the lower income seniors with freshly made meals delivered directly to their homes. The ballroom at PebbleCreek is located at 16262 W. Clubhouse Dr. in Goodyear. Gala tickets are $95. Tickets can be purchased at the Meals of Joy website, www.mealsofjoy.org.