For the first time in nearly 50 years, Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County is facing a heartbreaking reality: a waitlist for services. This Valentine’s Day, Meals on Wheels needs the community’s love to fill our hearts and help ensure that the most vulnerable seniors in our community are happy, healthy, and independent.
One way you can support this vital service this year is by attending the Food From the Heart Luncheon & Valentine’s Day Extravaganza on Friday, February 14, from 11am to 1pm, at the beautiful Chaminade Resort & Spa in Santa Cruz. This festive Valentine-themed event is more than a celebration; it’s a critical fundraiser that helps us keep seniors nourished and connected. Enjoy a delightful luncheon, romantic auction items, exciting raffle prizes, and the Sweetheart Award ceremony, honoring those who champion senior nutrition and well-being.
Meals on Wheels Challenges
Rising costs, stagnant government funding, and the uncertainty of our headquarters’ future have created a six-figure funding gap, threatening our ability to meet the growing demand for nutritious meals and critical wellness checks for local seniors.
Last year, we served 1,737 older adults, an increase of 429 clients from the year before, delivering 155,702 home-delivered meals and serving 23,042 meals at dining sites. With 1,000 Californians turning 65 every day, and Santa Cruz County experiencing the fastest-growing senior population in the state, demand for our services is only expected to rise.
Without immediate community support, we may not only face the heartbreaking possibility of limiting the lifeline that Meals on Wheels provides—joining the two-thirds of programs statewide already operating with waitlists—but could also be forced to disenroll several seniors who have few, if any, other options for accessing the support they rely on.
Won’t You Be Our Valentine?
This festive Valentine-themed event is more than a celebration; it’s a critical fundraiser that helps us keep seniors nourished and connected. Enjoy a delightful luncheon, romantic auction items, exciting raffle prizes, and the Sweetheart Award ceremony, honoring those who champion senior nutrition and well-being.
This popular, twelfth annual gathering celebrates connections with friends, neighbors and colleagues that make our community a loving place for all. It brings local leaders and supporters together to share solidarity with the generous souls who dedicate their time and resources to providing nutritious meals and friendly human connection to our community’s older adults, inspiring action toward ensuring that no senior goes hungry.
This year’s Valentine’s Day event kicking off Presidents’ Day weekend begins with a festive welcome reception featuring romantic silent auction prizes including local getaways and get-togethers, delectable snacks and sweets, and elegant gifts and wines ready to deliver to your Valentine. Lunch features Meals on Wheels program presentation and delightful donation pledge drive, followed by an exciting live auction and other games!
Why Meals on Wheels Matters
Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County doesn’t just provide meals; it provides independence, dignity, and connection.
- 92% of participants say it helps them live independently.
- 87% feel safer at home, and 79% report eating healthier foods.
- Nationally, Meals on Wheels reduces healthcare costs, prevents social isolation, and improves overall quality of life.
Every ticket purchased and every donation made supports seniors in our community who rely on Meals on Wheels to remain in their homes, surrounded by love and memories, rather than moving into costly care facilities.
Reserve Your Spot Today
Your generosity has always been the heart of our mission. Help us bridge the funding gap and ensure no senior in Santa Cruz County goes hungry or feels forgotten.
- Purchase your tickets today to join us for this special Valentine’s Day event.
- Become a sponsor and showcase your commitment to local seniors.
- Donate auction items to help make the event even more memorable.
For tickets, sponsorships, or donations, contact donations@cbridges.org or call 831-688-8840 ext. 205.
Together, we can ensure every senior in our community feels nourished, valued, and cared for. Join us at Food From the Heart and help us deliver more than meals—help us deliver hope.
