In its sixth consecutive year, “Step Up to the Plate” a fundraising campaign to benefit the homebound elderly and disabled served by Meals on Wheels programs raised more than $30,000 in November through the support of Wilson Farms’ customers.
All Wilson Farms, Sugarcreek and Wilson Farms Xpress stores statewide participated in the campaign raising a total of $30,290. Each store sold $1 paper plate logos to customers with the promise that the money raised would be allotted to the nearest Meals on Wheels program.
“Wilson Farms and its customers have once again proved that Western New York is a community where neighbors help neighbors,” said Benjamin A. Gair III, CEO at Meals on Wheels Foundation of WNY. “It is no secret that nonprofit organizations are experiencing significant funding cuts. Fundraising campaigns like ‘Step Up to the Plate’ help Meals on Wheels programs provide nourishment to our most fragile residents.”
“Once again, our customers have shown their true generosity through this campaign for Meal on Wheels,” said Paul Nanula, CEO and president of Wilson Farms Inc., which operates more than 200 stores in New York. “We thank our customers and associates for their continued support for endeavors such as this, which allow us to give back to the communities, neighborhoods and people we serve.”
To date, “Step Up to the Plate” has raised more than $185,000 for Meals on Wheels programs in New York State. A check presentation ceremony is scheduled for February 2010, where each participating Meals on Wheels program will be awarded.
Meals on Wheels Foundation of WNY, Inc. supports the dignity, well-being and independence of people through home delivered nutrition programs. In 2008, the agency delivered 865,000 meals to nearly 3,400 homebound elderly and special-need individuals.