The Osceola Council on Aging (OCOA) held its 17th annual March for Meals 5K fundraising event on March 12. With a myriad of teamwork, coordination, lots of prayers and most likely a little bit of luck as the rain held off, we were able to host one of the largest March for Meals ‘fun run’ events in its 17-year history.
I want to personally send a HUGE thank-you to everyone involved. I am so proud of the Osceola community along with our employees and volunteers. Like most organizations across the country, our team has been required to navigate a couple tumultuous years of ever
The Osceola Council on Aging (OCOA) held its 17th annual March for Meals 5K fundraising event on March 12. With a myriad of teamwork, coordination, lots of prayers and most likely a little bit of luck as the rain held off, we were able to host one of the largest March for Meals ‘fun run’ events in its 17-year history.
I want to personally send a HUGE thank-you to everyone involved. I am so proud of the Osceola community along with our employees and volunteers. Like most organizations across the country, our team has been required to navigate a couple tumultuous years of ever changing pandemic related decisions, which means most fundraising events were either postponed or often canceled altogether. The fact that the Council could finally host a fundraiser, in mostly normal fashion, was both exciting and a hopeful reminder that we can all attain normalcy again.
Thank you to the more than 360 individual run/ walk participants – you were amazing! Just as importantly, thank you to the more than 20 teams and their leaders who took the time to organize and recruit participants in support of our cause. Included in the many local community team participants were HCA Florida Osceola Hospital and Gaylord Palms.
“What a wonderful event,” said Vanessa Guevara, HCA’s Communications and Community Engagement director.
“Everyone from Gaylord Palms had an exciting time at the race this past weekend!” said Anthony Sansone, Human Resource Manager.
The Largest Team Award went to the Osceola County Sheriff ’s Department with the Most Spirited Team Award given to the Lucky Charms Team for the second year in a row. The Beverly Hougland Award went to Bruce Vickers and his staff from the Osceola County Tax Collector’s Office. This award is given to the organization who works to engage employees in supporting initiatives to care for vulnerable residents of our community.
“In our office we see every single Osceola County resident regardless of economic or residential status. We see firsthand the need for the services that the Osceola Council on Aging provides, specifically Meals on Wheels,” Vickers said. “We also enjoy the friendly competition of March for Meals with our neighboring agencies while joining together for this amazing cause.”
We also want to especially thank the Kissimmee Police Department for being on hand to support the event while keeping it safe. Additionally, we cannot leave out the Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA) as our presenting sponsor.
Additional sponsors, all important contributors to the success of the event, included Toho Water Authority, City of Kissimmee, Rotary Club of Kissimmee West, Magic Development and Infill Consulting Services, Trio Community Meals, Sunshine Health, WRDQ-TV 27 Community Connection, Simply Healthcare, Homelight, CIGNA, Freedom, Care Plus and Orlando Family Physicians.
These sponsors went above and beyond to support the residents of our community who would have difficulty surviving without Meals on Wheels. Between our sponsors and participants, we were able to raise more than $20,000 for our multiple Meals on Wheels initiatives.
With 2022 gaining a more normalized momentum, we look forward to hosting additional community events to support our seniors, disabled adults, and disadvantaged families, as fundraising is a vital component to our success. Mark your calendars for our Gala Fundraiser, on Saturday, Oct. 1, and watch for information on our Spring 2023 golf tournament fundraiser.
Finally, we have kicked off another vehicle raffle for the community. We have partnered with Kisselback Ford in St. Cloud to raffle a new 2022 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCab. Sponsored by Goosehead Insurance, 100 percent of proceeds fund OCOA programs. It all starts with a $25 donation, and one lucky donor has a chance to drive home a brand-new truck. Visit the OCOA website to purchase tickets at https://conta.cc/3CsEFqG.
The community support we continue to receive for our social service programs inspire me. All those associated with the OCOA, who are exemplary in their work to support those in need in Osceola County, further inspires me. I do not want to sound redundant, but again, thank you!
To see more guest columns by Wendy, go to https://osceolagenerations.