Stroll the links to help feed our homebound neighbors

I am honored to serve on the board of directors for Meals on Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth. Founded in 1970, this exclusively Sussex charity holds the distinction of being the first home-delivered meal program in the state of Delaware. And it’s still going strong.

The meal delivery process is an expertly choreographed ballet performed daily by office staff, cooks, packers and drivers – almost all of them volunteers. The average run for a volunteer driver is about two hours, covering around 25 to 40 miles to deliver 20 meals. Created more than 50 years ago, Meals on Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth has continued to deliver hot meals to homebound seniors on a daily basis. Several years ago, when MOWLR found itself without a food preparation facility, SoDel Concepts restaurant group stepped in to provide the creation, cooking and packaging of daily meals in its huge commercial kitchen at Fish On in the Villages of Five Points. Every weekday morning, the popular restaurant bustles with drivers, cooks, packers and organizers. So, you might ask, what does all this have to do with The Business of Eating? (Please ask, or there’ll be lots of white space under these words.)

One of the longest-running charity events in Sussex County is the Harry Derrickson Memorial Golf Tournament, set this year for Monday, Oct. 2. The W.E. Cross Charitable Foundation Inc. will present the 46th annual extravaganza, which kicks off at Rehoboth Beach Country Club with a lunchtime registration followed by a shotgun start. An army of foursomes will spill out onto the course to swing, drive and putt for Meals on Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth. Information regarding fees and registration can be found at MealsonWheels-LR.org. It includes greens fee, cart, gift bag, beverages on the course (must stay hydrated!), lunch and an awards ceremony afterward. The kicker? Every penny earned stays right here in Sussex County to help Meals on Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth step up to the plate for our local homebound seniors.

So, you might ask (again), why are you telling us three months in advance? Well, the event planning is at the point where generous local sponsors and players step up to the plate (or to the tee, as the case may be) to play the beautiful RBCC course on the bay and be part of the event. It takes a huge amount of planning and coordination, both with the players and the country club. Sponsorships cost from $1,500 to around $800, offering perks to foursomes or single golfers such as individual hole sponsorships, signs on carts and tee boxes, special recognition at the annual pre-tournament luncheon and even printed logos on the golf balls.

So many people have been inspired by riding along with one of the MOWLR drivers and seeing their interactions with the clients. In fact, Rehoboth Beach Mayor Stan Mills rode along July 12 with a volunteer driver and was surprised that there are not only 10 meals recipients right there in Rehoboth Beach, but also the meals program is not dependent on the clients’ ability to pay. He was also impressed with the thoroughness of the meals distribution system at Fish On. A Meals on Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth ride-along can be an enlightening event.

In many cases, MOWLR drivers are the sole source of outside contact for the homebound. The system also helps contain healthcare costs by helping clients avoid institutionalized living. Be a part of this great service and join the fun Monday, Oct. 2, at Rehoboth Beach Country Club. Tickets may be purchased at the website above or by calling Meals on Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth at 302-645-7449.