In 2025, we celebrated our 50th year and commemorated five decades of delivering compassion, nutrition and independence to our community. Established in April 1975 by Mary Bray and Reverend David Garrigus of Christ United Methodist Church in Westfield, this program has grown from serving a single recipient to providing over 57,000 meals annually to 309 clients across 19 daily routes, with an additional eight on Fridays.
2025: Celebrating 50 Years
Beginning as a community service project, Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County has become a cornerstone of support for elderly as well as those homebound with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses. Each meal is crafted in state-approved healthcare facilities, under the supervision of a registered dietitian to meet the unique dietary needs of recipients. The mission remains steadfast: to reduce hunger, improve health and promote independence, enabling clients to remain in their homes for as long as possible.
Throughout the year, we celebrated our golden anniversary, launched our “50 for Fifty” fundraising campaign, and grew with 145 new clients and 123 new volunteers!
Looking Forward to the Next 50
In 1975, two meals cost just $15 per week, and 4,000 meals were delivered in the program’s first year. Today, the cost of providing over 57,000 meals annually has risen to over $310,000. Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County receives no state or federal funding and relies entirely on community grants, fundraising and generous individual support.
In 2026, we look forward to our annual fundraising events such as the third Al Haimbach Memorial Golf Classic and our twelfth Dancing with Our Stars. As the organization looks to the next 50 years, your contribution can make a lasting impact.
Thank you to all of our generous donors and volunteers who helped make 2025 one of our best years yet. Cheers to making an even bigger impact in 2026!