March for Meals raises over $20000 in Lake County event - News-Herald.com

March 31, 2019 at 11:21AM

Over 300 people marched for meals during the Lake County Council on Aging's March for Meals event March 30 at Great Lakes Mall in Mentor.

The annual event was held for the 14th year to bring awareness and raise money for one of the agencies most critical programs, Meals on Wheels, according to LCOAA CEO Joe Tomsick.

The March for Meals had over 90 sponsors contributing to the event, which resulted in over $20,000 being raised. Many of the sponsors were groups or businesses that took the time to put small walking groups together and raise pledges for the event, Tomsick said.

About 250 walkers participated in the parade around the mall. The LCCOA staff and the Board of Trustees, along with the Mentor High School cheerleaders, Lake Catholic High School Drum Corp and members from the Mentor Ice Breakers, including the mascot who led off the walk, pushed that number to over 300. Even the Easter Bunny, who wasn't scheduled to arrive at the mall until later in the day, made a surprise appearance and joined in.

According to Tomsick, even though Lake County has a senior services levy which passed with overwhelming support from the community, without the help and support of United Way of Lake County and the support of the Western Reserve Area on Aging, which provides the local and federal funding, Meals on Wheels would have people on a waiting list.

This would cause the county to face senior food insecurity, which would leave many seniors at great risk, as many depend on that meal because they can no longer cook a nutritious one for themselves. So, they wait for that knock on the door, Tomsick said.

Over the past year, the LCCOA has seen about a 3.1 percent increase in the number of home-bound seniors who are requesting services.

"We are fulfilling their needs to get those meals delivered," Tomsick said. "The issue is that we need supplemental funds. That's why we are here today for the March for Meals event to raise those additional funds."

Tomsick cited a study done several years ago by the Lake County commissioners that indicated within a few years, one-third of the county's residents would be 60 years or older, and the largest part of that group is going to be 85 years or older. The ones 85 and and older are the ones Tomsick noted really need to be looked after. He also pointed out that they are loved ones, neighbors and parents who people want to be safe and independent while living in their own homes.

Meals on Wheels volunteers delivered over 170,000 meals in 2018 in Lake County.

"It's more than just delivering that meal to a home-bound senior," Tomsick said. "Our dedicated staff at the Council on Aging and the volunteers that deliver those meals provide a vital lifeline and a connection to the community."

Gianna Uber, a cheerleader and senior at Mentor High School, said she loved participating in the event and thinks it's a great way to bring people together to raise money for meals and raise awareness. She also said it brings positivity to the community while showing even younger people care about service.

Annabella DiBiasio, also a cheerleader and senior at Mentor High School, liked how everyone came together as a community to help people in need.

Beth Oliverio of Kirtland who participated believes that the Meals on Wheels program is very important and needed by people in the community, while her husband Joe who also walked believes the Council on Aging to be a great organization that does so much for community.

In addition to the march, the event featured coffee provided by Gloria Jean's coffee, snacks and a prize giveaway for the walkers. There was also a Chinese auction to raise money and a performance of the National Anthem by Dante Citraro.

Multiple agencies had tables set up throughout the food court to provide information on services offered for seniors.

"What a great partnership we have had with the Great Lakes Mall," Tomsick said. "They work with us hand and hand and Kate Miller (Public Relations for Great Lakes Mall) has been an incredible supporter of the Council on Aging."

"This special event is a wonderful experience for everyone involved," Miller said. "We are proud to host March for Meals every year, as well as provide the local community with a great place to dine, shop, and spend quality time together."