Special Thank You to…
Miles for Meals on Wheels Brings in $54,800
Chuck Foster, WASI CEO, recently announced WASI’s annual Miles for Meals Fundraiser was a clear success this year. Thanks to our sponsors, volunteers, staff, runners – and especially to those registrants who went across the land soliciting donations – WASI raised more than our original goal of $50,000.
Chuck said “We are so grateful for the support from the community and so humbled by the hard work of everyone who solicited donations. I’m particularly inspired by Darlene McCredie. She was our top fundraiser and brought in more than $9,600! Yet I also think about Mary Sears, who has such a long history of being such a great fundraiser. She collected over $ 6,500! And Ilene Falkenstein, who’s a relative newcomer, raised over $5,550! We really owe them a debt of gratitude for working so hard to ensure seniors in the Mat-Su have a hot meal each day.”
The day turned out splendidly, with excellent weather, a safe race route, great food and LOTS of prizes for those who raised at least $100. There were many other prizes, too.
Please visit WASI’s Facebook page for plenty of videos and images from what turned out to be a VERY good day at WASI.
Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.
WASI Forms “Meals on Wheels of Mat Su Valley”
Collaborative efforts have long been a high priority behind WASI’s services delivery. One great example is the Meals on Wheels program that serves Mat Su seniors through the combined efforts of three senior organizations: Wasilla Area Seniors, Mat Su Senior Services (Palmer), and Upper Susitna Seniors (Talkeetna). WASI recently led the group in taking the next step: establishing a brand to recognize Meals on Wheels as a joint effort.
“We wanted to ensure the community saw our efforts for what they are: a truly cooperative enterprise. We work hard to ensure we collaborate in a way that optimizes every hour, every gallon of gas, and every dollar donors entrust to us,” said Chuck Foster, WASI’s CEO. Chuck further explained that the group hopes the brand might help outreach to new donors. “We found that many people support Meals on Wheels in their heart, but didn’t know Meals on Wheels in the Valley is a function served by Senior Centers. This can help solve that misunderstanding.”
Finding new donors is a crucial part of continuing the program. The Senior population in the Valley has been rapidly growing and with it, demand for Senior services like Meals on Wheels. That means fundraising needs to keep pace with the growing need. Chuck said the best way to support Meals on Wheels of the Mat Su Valley is to donate directly to one of the three providers. “Both WASI and MSSS make donations easy by offering secure, online donations at their website.” But there isn’t a link to donate directly to Meals on Wheels Mat Su – yet. “We’ll develop the brand in coming months and we hope to have a dedicated website soon,” Chuck said.
For those who see the benefit of Meals on Wheels, click here to donate through WASI’s website. Click on the “Tribute Gift” button and enter “MoWMS” and the zip code you wish to support in the field for “Name of person to be honored.” (You can also enter a name if you wish.) Your gift will be channeled to the provider serving that location.
Non-Denominational Christian Worship
A traditional Christian worship service is held each Sunday in the Meeting Room at the WASI Senior Center at 11:30 am. Everyone is welcome to join this service of praise, teaching and celebration. WASI appreciates Rev. Priscilla Fulford, a WASI Lifetime member, who makes this worship service possible.