As we reach the midpoint of 2026, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the milestones, growth, and community support that have shaped the first half of the year at Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County.
The past six months have brought meaningful transitions, exciting additions, and incredible generosity from our supporters. Through it all, our mission has remained the same: ensuring Hamilton County residents have access to the medically tailored meals and support they need to live safely and independently.
2026: Honoring a Remarkable Legacy
One of the most significant moments of the year came in February when we celebrated the retirement of Executive Director Beth Gehlhausen after 15 years of leadership at Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County.
Beth’s impact on our organization and community cannot be overstated. Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to serving vulnerable populations across Hamilton County, and her leadership helped strengthen Meals on Wheels into the trusted resource it is today. During her tenure, she expanded healthcare partnerships, helped launch our frozen meal program, and guided the organization through years of growth and increasing demand.
Beth’s legacy of compassion, dignity, and service continues to shape our work at Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County. We are grateful for the foundation she built and wish her the very best in retirement.
Welcoming New Leadership
With change comes opportunity, and we have been excited to welcome several talented additions to our growing team this year.
In May, Tricia Hudson joined Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County as our new Executive Director and CEO. Tricia brings decades of nonprofit leadership experience and a deep commitment to mission-driven work. Her expertise in leadership, finance, and nonprofit management equips us well for continued growth and impact in the years ahead.
We also welcomed Jennifer Sturges as our Development and Outreach Director. Jennifer leads our fundraising, community engagement, sponsorship development, and outreach efforts. Her diverse background in healthcare administration, business ownership, event management, and community partnerships has already made a tremendous impact on our organization.
Most recently, Chisum Gardner joined the team as Operations Director. In this role, he oversees the daily operations that ensure nutritious meals are delivered efficiently and reliably throughout the community. He works closely with clients, volunteers and staff to coordinate meal delivery while advancing the organization’s mission. With more than a decade of nonprofit experience, Chisum is dedicated to improving lives through meaningful connections and compassionate service.
Together, these additions strengthen our ability to meet the growing needs of our community while preserving the personal connections and quality service that define Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County.
Community Support in Full Swing
In June, supporters from across Hamilton County gathered at The Club at Chatham Hills for our third annual Al Haimbach Memorial Golf Classic. More than 100 golfers joined us for a day of friendly competition and philanthropy, helping raise more than $80,000 to aid local residents in need. The event, honoring the legacy of longtime volunteer Al Haimbach, continues to demonstrate the incredible generosity of our community.
We are grateful to our partners, volunteers, golfers, and supporters who made this year’s outing such a success. Every dollar raised helps ensure that individuals throughout Hamilton County receive the nutritious meals they rely on.
Looking Ahead
While we’re proud of everything we’ve accomplished so far in 2026, there’s still so much more to come.
On September 3, we will host the twelfth annual Dancing with Our Stars, our biggest fundraiser of the year. This beloved community event brings together local celebrities, professional dancers, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters for an unforgettable evening that directly supports our mission.
As we move through the remainder of the year, we also hope to continue expanding community awareness about who we serve. While many people associate Meals on Wheels primarily with seniors, our mission extends beyond that perception. Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County delivers medically tailored meals to elderly adults, individuals with disabilities, those facing food insecurity, and people who are temporarily or permanently unable to prepare meals for themselves. Whether someone needs support during recovery from an illness or injury or requires long-term assistance, our goal is to ensure they have access to nutritious meals and compassionate care.
Thank you to our volunteers, donors, sponsors, healthcare partners, and community supporters for helping make the first half of 2026 such a success. We look forward to continuing this important work together and making an even greater impact in the months ahead.