Meals on 4th Delivers!

Meals on 4th was full of fun, delicious food, and community fellowship! Days of worrying about the weather leading up to the event were met with an absolutely gorgeous late Spring Colorado Day full of sunshine, blue skies, and palatale temperatures!

Guests and volunteers listen to the speaker from the stage at Meals on 4th.

This event - designed to celebrate the work and mission of Meals on Wheels - captured the essence of generosity, community spirit, and philanthropy that is so prevalent in the Loveland and Berthoud communities. It was a resounding success, bringing together individuals from all walks of life to support a worthy cause and make a positive impact in the lives of many.

oh what fun!

From the moment attendees arrived, they were greeted with an atmosphere of 50s, fun, and excitement! Meals on Wheels Board Members were on hand to greet and mingle with the over 160 attending guests.

Flower arrangements designed to look like strawberry ice cream floats sit a top classic vinyl records to create a 1950’s vibe for Meals on 4th 2023.

Listening to the festive tunes provided by the Steve Manshel Trio!

Teams of volunteers had spared no effort in creating an enchanting ambiance, with period decorations and pizzaz, while The Steve Manshel Trio set the mood with peppy tunes from the 1950s & 1960s.

Brewery Partners Big Thompson Brewery, Loveland Aleworks, and Verboten Brewing were on hand ready to serve some of their famous brews, while COL Kitchen & Cafe popped open bottles of wine for the cocktail hour. Dark Heart Coffee was also on hand to serve delicious iced coffee and tea blends.

Guests mingled and chatted while stopping to pose in the special selfi station and many made a bee-line towards the Wine Pull Station. The Wine Pull game offered guests the opportunity to win a case of fine wines or a countertop wine fridge. Every guest that participated also walked away with a hand-picked bottle of aged wine!

Meals on Wheels Wine Pull Volunteers prepare the corks for guests arrival.

engaging program

The event program was carefully designed to captivate the audience throughout the night - both their attention and their tastebuds! Steve Manshel and Communications & Development Director, Carrie Kaufman, hosted the evening, seamlessly transitioning between different meal courses and program segments.

A Meals on 4th volunteer carries a tray of passed appetizers from Cilantro & Lime Food Truck

Guests dined on delectable dishes provided by the Meals on 4th Restaurant Partners, and listened to the creators and chefs share background on the food and their businesses. From appetizers to the main courses and desserts, every dish was expertly prepared, leaving attendees delighted and staisfied! Guests were treated to courses from:

Cilantro & Lime Food Truck: Passed Appetizers - Korean Tacos
Rise Artisan Bread: Assorted breads and butter
Taste Local: Strawberry, Burrata, Basil, & Pine Nut Salad with a Reduced Balsamic Dressing
Betta Gumbo: Gluten Free Jambalaya with chicken, andouille, & breakfast sausage mix
Meals on Wheels Kitchen: Summer Salad with fresh pasta, cucumbers, tomato, & dill
White Paper BBQ: Smoked Pork Loin served over Green Chili Cheddar Mashed Potatoes & Pit-Roasted Vegetables
Door 222: Rhubarb Bread Pudding with vanilla Chantily & Scotch Caramel

FUNDRAISING & ENTERTAINMENT

Finalists in our Heads or Tails game choose between heads or tails coin flips to win a special grand prize. Deanna Sloat (in pink jacket) won the prize!

To further boost the evening’s fundraising efforts, Auctioneers led a special Heads or Tails game. Attendees were encouraged to participate to win a Date Night Air BnB Package that included an overnight stay at a Downtown Arts District Bungalow and restaurant and drink gift cards.

The auctioneers, John Clatworthy and Scott Reed, also helped Meals on Wheels raise $26,300 during a special Paddle Raise fundraiser! Guests were moved to place bids after listening to the inspirational stories from longtime volunteer, Bob Doolittle and Executive Director, Jeffrey Pomranka.

Additionally, guests were encouraged to tap their toes and dance to the music provided once again by The Steve Manshel Trio.

community engagement and networking

Meals on 4th provided an excellent platform for attendees to connect with like-minded individuals who shared a passion for the mission and work of Meals on Wheels. The atmosphere fostered meaningful conversations, allowing guests to forge new friendships and collaborations. It was truly inspiring to witness the genuine sense of community that blossomed throughout the evening.

fun & success

Thanks to the collective efforts of the organization, vendors, volunteers, and the generosity of the attendees, Meals on 4th exceeded all expectations! The event not only met its fundraising goals - through the sponsorships, Wine Pull, Heads or Tails, and Paddle Raise - it surpassed them, raising a remarkable amount of funds for the cause! The success fo the evening will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the ability of Meals on Wheels to make a difference in the lives of more homebound individuals - feeding and supporting our community for generations to come!

sponsor thanks

This event would not have been possible without the underwriting and support of all of our generous sponsors. We are immensely grateful for their partnership and the difference these companies and organizations are making in our community!