Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/495553
APRIL 15-21, 2015 UCW 11 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM Just think for a moment how easy it is for you to stand at your stove to cook a meal or go to a restaurant to sit down, fellowship and enjoy breaking bread with a friend. This is indeed a blessing but for some older adults, it is not that easy. There are more than 6 million seniors in America who do not have access to regular meals. In Cumberland County, 350 seniors are served a daily meal by the Meals on Wheels Program. Meals On Wheels serves older adults who are 60 years old and older and are home bound and no longer able to cook meals for themselves due to physical and/or mental limitations and have no one able or willing to provide meals for them. The program comes with a cost; however. In an effort to bring attention to the program and raise much needed funds, The Cumberland County Council on Older Adults is hosting a Blast from the Past on Saturday, May 2 from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom at the Holiday Inn Bordeaux. "The goal of the Meals on Wheels Program is to provide seniors nutritious meals on a daily basis," said Mandy Hurley, co-chair of the Blast From the Past. "Typically, we receive funding from various resources but due to the increasing demand of the needs in this county for Meals on Wheels, as well as the rapidly aging senior population, we constantly maintain a waiting list." Wanda Rogers, 67, has health conditions that prevent her from cooking and standing for long periods of time. She has been receiving Meals on Wheels for five years and loves to see the volunteers who deliver her hot meals. They greet each other with an "I love you." Sometimes this may be the only interaction or love that an older adult receives, which is why this program needs monetary support to continue its services. At the Blast from the Past, a Meet and Mingle begins at 6 p.m., with a wine cash bar followed by a buffet dinner at 6:30 p.m. Five Star Entertainment will provide music, video and a photo booth for fun. A silent auction and a 50/50 raffle will close out the evening. Area dance professionals will provide dance demonstrations and lessons. Attendees at the event are encouraged to wear attire from their favorite dance or era. The Cumberland County Council on Older Adults is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide resources that help older adults maintain their independence and age with dignity. They offer various programs such as Meals on Wheels, Senior Companion Program, Telephone Reassurance Program, In-Home Aide Services, Home Improvement Program and others. Sponsorship packages for the event range from $500-$4,000 and above. All contributions are 100 percent tax deductible. " This will be a great event and we are looking forward to everyone coming out to enjoy themselves," said Hurley. Tickets are $60 per person. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.ccccooa.org or call 484-0111. Blast From the Past Helps Bring Meals to Area Seniors by DR. SHANESSA FENNER Attendees at last year's Blast From the Past enjoyed a night of dancing and fun — to benefit seniors in our community. DR. SHANESSA FENNER, Principal WT Brown Elementary School Contributing Writer. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomingweekly.com. 910.484.6200. methodist.edu/mba | 910.630.7493 facebook.com/MethodistUniversity 5400 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC 28311 Apply Today for Fall 2015 Earn your MBA in less than 18 months Application deadline: May 19 Open House on May 11, 6 p.m. Yarborough Auditorium, Clark Hall