Fun Fest a HUGE Success, Benefits Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties

Whew! What a great day for Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties on Saturday, June 25, as about 1,000 people -- including corporate teams, agency volunteers, and the general public -- enjoyed the sights, sounds and attractions at Sluggers & Putters during our inaugural Meals On Wheels Fun Fest, sponsored by Avalon Foodservice, Inc., of Canal Fulton.

The day began with our corporate challenge, as 15 teams competed in a series of fun-filled events that included go-cart races, bumper boat basketball, miniature golf, the rock climbing wall, and the closest-to-the-pin contest on the golf driving range.

The team representing the Akron-Canton Connection radio show, featuring the Pro Football Hall of Fame Queen and her court (shown at right), won first-place honors in the corporate challenge. Second place went to the Finney's Pharmacy team, and third went to the team representing Kathy Catazaro-Perry, Democratic candidate for mayor in Massillon.

A picnic lunch for all participants followed the events, and trophies were awarded at that time.

Beginning at 1 p.m., our Volunteer Appreciation luncheon, sponsored by Diebold, got underway at the pavilion. Volunteers were also provided with free admission to all attractions at the park during the afternoon.

From 12 noon to 6 p.m., the park was open to the public for just $10 a person. More than 700 people came out to enjoy the discounted price and support Meals On Wheels, making it one of the largest one-day crowds in the park's 20-year history.

We're indebted to all our sponsors and corporate teams for making the event a rousing success, and to our guests from throughout Northeast Ohio who came out to enjoy a great time for a great cause! See you next year!

Diebold Foundation Offers a Tip of the Cap to Our Volunteers!

The Diebold Foundation has stepped up to the plate again, this time to help us recognize the dedication of our volunteers. The foundation provided funding for our Volunteer Appreciation Day at the Meals On Wheels Fun Fest Challenge, Saturday, June 25, at Sluggers & Putters theme park in Canal Fulton.

From 12 noon to 6 p.m. that day, Meals On Wheels volunteers will be admitted free to the park to enjoy all activities, including miniature golf, go carts, bumper cars and more. It's our way of saying thanks for their hard work throughout the year.

"In past years we had an appreciation picnic on the lawn of our building in Massillon, but the big tent we used every year was damaged by wind, so we've been looking for another way to thank our volunteers," said Teresa Barry, CEO. "With the funding from the Diebold Foundation, we can now conduct our volunteer appreciation event during the Fun Fest in June."

A complimentary lunch will be available between 12 noon and 2 p.m. for those volunteers who RSVP by June 17.

The Meals On Wheels Fun Fest Challenge will feature a corporate challenge competition in the morning. Teams will participate in good-natured competition in five different activities before enjoying a picnic lunch afterward. The entire park will be opened to the public from 12 noon to 6 p.m., and admission for the afternoon will be just $10 for unlimited access to the park.

For complete information, see our full article about the subject: Join Us As Avalon Foodservice Presents 'The Meals On Wheels Fun Fest Challenge.'

Diebold Foundation Provides Support for Meals On Wheels

Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties has received a grant from the Diebold Foundation to purchase equipment for our commissary in Massillon.

The foundation awarded our agency the grant to purchase a number of items that for our commissary that will enable us to better prepare meals for the special needs of many of our clients.

"We accommodate specialized diets for those who require them, such as mechanical soft diets, liquid diets, pureed meals, and more," said Teresa Barry, CEO. "We are grateful to the Diebold Foundation for their timely support."

The Diebold Foundation is the charitable giving arm of Diebold, Inc., a North Canton, Ohio-based provider of self-service and security delivery systems.