Heels For Meals Provides a Fun, Relaxing Atmosphere for Fundraiser for Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana

Heels For Meals Provides a Fun, Relaxing Atmosphere for Fundraiser for Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana

As the evening began on Thursday night at the Villa Cesare in Schererville and attendees streamed in, donning their most colorful and unique heels, they were greeted by the friendly faces of the Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana crew. Members of the community and local business leaders were present for the festivities as well, and Miss Indiana Pageant Queen Hanna Fray was also seen greeting visitors with a warm smile.

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The dedicated members of their committee, including Ideas in Motion Media’s own Jenny Craig-Brown, and many others could be seen manning the gaming stations that would serve as a substantial portion of the night’s festivities as well.

The women were invited to have photos of their heels taken for the “Swankiest Shoes” competition to be decided later in the evening. The men were also invited to have their ankle adornments photographed for the “Swankiest Socks” competition that was also to happen.

“It’s important to have events like these, and all of the proceeds go to our endowment to ensure we are funded for years to come and keep us established long term,” said Jodi Bella, Marketing Director of Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana.

Still, the purpose of the event was to not only raise funds for Meals on Wheels, which is a vital part of the community, but also to do so in a way that was fun and entertaining for their supporters.

“We really wanted to make this a fundraiser where people could just have fun and relax. And it was important to make it a friendly, low-key event where people can enjoy themselves,” said Bella enthusiastically.

Bella wasn’t the only one feeling the appreciation from supporters for the festivities that night. Committee member Amanda Maynard, who was integral to planning the Heels for Meals on Wheels event, expressed a similar sentiment.

“We just wanted to create an event for people to be able to party, eat good food, play games, win fun prizes and have a great night,” said Maynard, “Oh, and of course the shoes! It gives everyone an excuse to wear some fun shoes.”

Aside from delicious food, an open bar, and amazing raffle prizes, there were also a host of games for guests to enjoy with purchase of a “party ticket," which of course went to supporting the invaluable cause of Meals on Wheels for those in need.

Some of these games included: Champagne Pong, Nerf-Machinegun Target Shooting, Mini-Putt, Ring Toss onto a Bottle of Wine/Beer, Mini-Putt, Beanbag Toss, and Giant Yahtzee. Guests rotated between these stations, laughing and enjoying a good time, particularly with the Nerf Machinegun which saw a lot of use as competitors lined up to give it their all in knocking a ball off of a bottle with the high-speed nerf gun.

Even as guests were treated to the soothing music of Chad Clifford of The Crawpuppies and as fun, food and laughter filled the room, the purpose of the night was not lost on attendees.

Lisa Winsted, President of the Hobart Chamber of Commerce, was ecstatic about being there to support Meals on Wheels.

“We really support Meals on Wheels and their mission. They do a lot in the community and with Hobart Chamber, so we are always eager to support them,” said Winsted who missed last year's event for Heels for Meals, but made sure nothing would get in her way this year.

Miss Indiana Hanna Fray was also glad to be in attendance and helping Meals on Wheels with their event.

“I reached out to Amanda [Maynard] and told her if they ever had any events they wanted me for, I would love to do one. I wear heels a lot so obviously they said ‘this would be perfect!’” said Fray, who has also participated in of Meals on Wheels events in the past.

As the night drew to a close, supporters saw gifts handed out from the raffles, and of course the ever-anticipated Swankiest Shoes and Socks competitions were decided. The finalists gathered on stage and took home their prizes; winners were decided by enthusiasm of crowd applause. One woman with bright yellow shoes took home the women’s prize for heels, and a man with exceptionally colorful socks edged out a man with plastic ducks trailing from his own socks for the men’s prize.

“Thank you, this is all about continuing our mission and helps us feed seniors in the region who are in need,” said Maynard as the evening was wrapping up on a sincere reminder of why everyone was gathered on this occasion.

All proceeds will go to benefit the endowment funds at the Legacy Foundation and Crown Point Community Foundation. To learn more about Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana visit: https://mownwi.org/