Horizons puts new twist on signature annual fundraiser for Meals on Wheels

CEDAR RAPIDS — The nonprofit behind Meals on Wheels is hoping to get a leg up with a new twist to its annual fundraiser.

Meals on Heels, the fourth annual celebration supporting Horizons’ Meals on Wheels, is getting into the groove with a new celebration set for Oct. 11 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Olympic South Side Theater.

The centerpiece of the evening features the auction of 14 pairs of 1960s go-go boots decorated by local artists to complement the night’s groovy theme.

Find the retro footwear decorated in everything from glitter and feathers to moss and The Mystery Machine. The new event, with inspiration from Tanager Place’s annual wreath auction, builds on past fundraisers that incorporated shoe fashion shows.

“We wanted more ways for people to get involved this year,” said organizer Zhen E Rammelsberg.

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This year’s event also will feature a shoe fashion show alongside food and raffles. Silent auction bidders can bid online now through the end of the event. Tickets are available for $75 at zeffy.com.

“We’re feeling the crunch, just like any other organization,” Rammelsberg said. “It seems like now, we have more people needing to benefit from the services we provide, so that’s why it’s more important now than ever to give to this organization.”

In addition to its signature meal delivery program for older and disabled clients, Horizons programming includes NTS Transportation, Financial Wellness Center, Catering for a Cause and AniMeals supplemental pet food. Horizons serves an average of 1,000 clients per weekday throughout Linn, Johnson and Washington counties.

Horizons continues to watch closely as federal funding sources are threatened by new legislation. Its fundraising goal for Meals on Heels is $60,000.

“Our client numbers continue to grow as our need continues to grow,” said Jim Miller, vice president of development. “Over $187 billion in assistance was cut (from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) through the recently passed ‘One (Big) Beautiful Bill.’”

Comments: Features reporter Elijah Decious can be reached at (319) 398-8340 or elijah.decious@thegazette.com.

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