Meals on Wheels 'Dine Out' Event Launch October 20, 2009

LOCAL RESTAURANTS RALLY TO SUPPORT MEALS ON WHEELS "DINE OUT" PROGRAM - OFFICIAL LAUNCH CEREMONY OCTOBER 20TH, WALNUT CREEK SENIOR CENTER - November Becomes Meals on Wheels Month

In response to the considerable pressure the precarious economy and budget cuts have put on local support services, specifically for senior citizens, Meals on Wheels is pleased to proclaim November as "Meals on Wheels Month" and introduce its new annual fundraiser, Dine Out. Over 30 local restaurants (and counting) throughout Contra Costa County have risen to the occasion and partnered with the Dine Out program and their dining clientele to help raise much needed funding for hot meals delivered to seniors in need.

You're invited to attend the official launch ceremony of the Meals for Wheels Dine Out program on Tuesday, October 20th at 3:30pm at the Walnut Creek Senior Center, located at 1375 Civic Center Drive. Stanford's Restaurant & Bar of Walnut Creek will be graciously providing catering and beverages for the day's festivities. Enjoy the opportunity to meet Meals on Wheels staff, volunteers, local government representatives and to learn more about this vital program.

For over 40 years, Meals on Wheels has helped fight hunger and loneliness among thousands of seniors in our county, delivering nearly 200,000 meals last year in the Diablo Valley alone. Beyond the nutritious meals provided to homebound seniors over the age of 60, Meals on Wheels volunteers provide wellness checks and companionship that allows seniors to live at home in safety, comfort and with dignity for as long as possible. Additionally, recent state and county budget cuts have eliminated support for 2,700 low income seniors currently receiving assistance through In-Home Supportive Services. These seniors will now be forced to turn to Meals on Wheels, placing considerable strain on program resources already under significant stress to meet the needs of our growing, aging community.

Free.

Official Website: http://www.mowsos.org