Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana held their inaugural Heels for Meals event on September 10, 2015 at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster. The shoe-themed cocktail party raised over $14,000.
“We modelled our Heels for Meals event after a similar event for a Meals on Wheels program in Minnesota,” said Amanda Maynard, Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana’s Director of Development. “We thought it was an innovative, fun idea that would introduce new people to our organization. We wanted to throw a party that would not only raise some money for our organization, but build awareness for the services we provide for our community.”
The Heels for Meals event featured 4 different party games for the attendees to play and featured a “Swanky Soles” Competition that was judged by Chris White of the Times Media Company, Trish Caruso and Diane Gross, owners of Eco Chic Boutique in Dyer, and Amy Blaker, a shoe connoisseur and case worker for Congressman Pete Visclosky.
The event featured musical performances from Bowman & Rose and Maverick and the MC for the event was Whitney Reynolds, host of The Whitney Reynolds Show on PBS. Proceeds from the event benefit the Meals on Wheels endowment funds at both the Crown Point Community Foundation and Legacy Foundation.
"I was surrounded by people that have been friends of our organization for many years and was introduced to so many new faces," said Sandra Noe, Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana’s Executive Director. "We look forward to growing this event for years to come."
Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana is grateful to the following sponsors: American Family Insurance, Cargill, Sweney Electric Company, Indiana American Water, Integrated Chiropractic Rehab, Nipsco, Centier Bank, Carole & Len Bezat, Tom & Ed’s Autobody, and an anonymous sponsor.
Founded in 1977, Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana is non-profit serving Lake County, Indiana. Meals on Wheels delivers meals to those in need five days a week using community volunteers. Funding for meals is provided by individuals receiving meals, private foundations, grants and donations. More information about Meals on Wheels can be found at www.mownwi.org.