2013 Epicurean Esprit

We cordially invite you to help us celebrate the Epicurean Esprit – “A Taste of Yolo County’s Finest Wines and Cuisine.”

This prestigious wine and food tasting event is one of three major fund raisers sponsored annually by Friends of Meals on Wheels. It helps to ensure continuing, critical meal preparation and delivery to almost 350 elder adults at home and at congregate settings in Yolo County each day.

This is a special evening when members of the community, business leaders and political representatives can join together to support and honor our senior citizens, while enjoying some of the finest cuisine, wine and music Yolo County offers.

The 2012 Esprit entertained more than 400 guests who enjoyed the beautiful grounds of Tandem Properties in Davis. Over 50 restaurants, wineries and breweries shared their delicacies and delights. Almost 100 businesses, service groups and individuals generously sponsored the event.

This year the Epicurean Esprit will be celebrated at a very special location. The Yolo Fliers Club has generously donated its lovely setting as our site. The event will be hosted on Thursday, May 23^st from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. at 17980 County Road 94B, Woodland. Tickets are $40 per guest.

Please join us.  We hope to see you there!

Message from the Executive Director and Chair of the Board of Directors

Dear Friends,

We will remember last year as a year of celebration, growth, and challenge.

The demand for food by seniors continued to rise. The Elderly Nutrition Program served over 82,000 nutritious meals to 1200 Yolo County seniors. Over the past 3 years, the number of homebound seniors who depended on our daily meal services rose by 15% and last year we achieved 188% of our home delivered program goal of 30,800 meals.

Because of the groundswell of support from our neighbors, friends, service clubs, local businesses, and foundations, we celebrated not having to delay or deny critical service to any needy homebound senior requesting nutritious meals! And we increased the number of elders we served, despite the dire economic challenges, skyrocketing costs of food, fuel, and equipment, and declining government revenues facing us. Revenues from private donations set an agency high, representing nearly 28% of overall revenues.

We couldn’t have accomplished any of this without the outstanding support of our volunteers and contributors. Our continued success is directly related to the generous giving of time and financial support by those in our community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our community, board of directors, volunteers and staff for pulling out all the stops this past year. You helped us ensure that our seniors will not go hungry – that they can live their lives with dignity in their own homes for as long as possible.

And most of all, we thank our elderly friends for their gifts of wisdom and warmth, and for brightening our lives.

While we face additional challenges this fiscal year with a loss in foundation and government funding, we share our warmest regards and hopes for a future of continuing achievement with all of you,

Executive Director                                                          Chair, Board of Directors