Throughout the past year of COVID-19, many of us have struggled with the isolation that staying at home can bring. The impact of reduced contact with others can be profound. Yet, amid the challenges, we have creatively found ways to remain connected- from drive-by birthday parties to Zoom weddings to virtual fundraisers (such as our upcoming event, Night of A Million Meals!) Here at Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland (MOWCM), we have loved welcoming volunteer groups and engaging with third-party fundraisers on unique ways that their organizations and members can get involved together. In this blog, you will hear from three groups about their volunteer efforts, campaigns, and events. However, the sky’s the limit, and we are always open to your ideas for future group initiatives!
UrbanBuilt Employees Pack Meal Boxes at Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland
A great team-building opportunity for groups (corporate, clubs, church groups, etc.) to get involved at MOWCM is through organizing a day to pack meals at
our headquarters in Baltimore. UrbanBuilt, a full-service general contracting firm, specializing in residential and commercial construction and renovations, did just that! UrbanBuilt’s headquarters are just down the street from MOWCM, and they were in search of a team experience in which they would make a difference in their local community. MOWCM was the perfect fit and they put together two teams for staff to volunteer their time on a Saturday. Vice President of Marketing and Business Development, Cindy Plackmeyer shares,
“We really weren’t sure what to expect, but just knew that it would be fun to do something together. It was so well organized! My team was in the big room with music to keep us motivated. Just being with folks from work and other volunteers, we all had similar goals of helping and it felt really satisfying. I highly recommend volunteering at MOWCM to anyone who has considered doing it. It’s fun and the time flies by.”
Julie Hollander, Senior Director of Volunteer Support Services at MOWCM says,
“Thank you to UrbanBuilt for organizing a large group to volunteer. We appreciated your team’s enthusiasm and hard work as you packed boxes, bagged bread, and worked in the kitchen. Volunteer groups are such an important part of Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland. Organizing a group to volunteer gives people the opportunity to volunteer with familiar faces while creating a bonding opportunity for the group.”
If you have a group interested in volunteering with us, please contact Julie at hollander@mowcm.org!
Charm City Run: Live. Give. Run. Virtual Race Challenge
The “Live.Give.Run. Virtual Race Challenge” hosted by Charm City Run was a virtual race (5K, 10K, Half, and Full Marathon) in which 512 participants walked or ran their races anytime between February 19 and February 28, 2021. The flexibility of the virtual run eliminated large crowds and allowed for participants to choose the perfect time and weather for them. The net proceeds from the event (over $5,000) were split between two local organization, Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland and Baltimore Community Foundation COVID-19 Evolving Community Needs Fund. Will Murdoch, from Charm City Run Events comments,
“Running and walking can change lives under normal circumstances, but when people can come together and run to support people in our community during a crisis it shows how truly impactful those actions can be. We’re proud to play a small part in helping Meals on Wheels achieve their mission and help our neighbors in need.”
Great 8’s Memorabilia’s “NFL Draft Party”: Upcoming Event April 29
Fundraising with local community organizations has always been at the heart of Great 8’s Memorabilia; a memorabilia store out of Parkville. The shop was already planning on hosting an NFL Draft Party and knew that linking with Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland could assist MOWCM in providing food security to thousands in the community, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event will take place during the first round of the NFL Draft on Thursday, April 29 from 7-10 pm at Looney’s Pub in Perry Hall. The event is free to attend. (There is a charge for autographs and photos with Raven’s player Gus Edwards). Throughout the evening there will be raffles and fundraising initiatives and a portion of the proceeds will be going to MOWCM! Jerry’s Toyota and Looney’s Perry Hall are helping to sponsor the event. Tickets can be purchased here: Great 8’s Memorabilia – Collectibles, Memorabilia
At Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland, we are incredibly thankful for the support of third-party funders, such as Live. Give. Run. Foundation/Charm City Run and Great 8’s Memorabilia and are continuously impressed with the ingenuity and creativity of your events! Jill Prevatt, MOWCM Director of Marketing and Events says,
“We are grateful to the local businesses, groups, and individuals who feel empowered to support causes dear to their hearts, and who think of Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland. Third-party fundraising allows us to connect with a larger community in new and creative ways that benefit our work of feeding Maryland’s aging and homebound.”