This is THE Kitchen’s largest fundraiser for Meals on Wheels, taking place every other year in the spring. Fifteen meals are provided with every ticket sold feeding the seniors, disabled, and home-bound served through the Meals on Wheels program.THE Kitchen’s Meals on Wheels program has been feeding the hungry in our community for more than 50 years. Over 300 volunteers deliver between 800-850 meals, seven days a week, every week of the year, on 57 routes throughout Wichita Falls. Hot delicious, and nutritious meals are provided Monday through Friday and shelf stable meals are delivered for the weekends. In 2018 exactly 251,548 meals were prepared to those in need.
Meals on Wheels is also known for more than just a meal. Volunteers and staff do wellness checks when they deliver. Approximately 44% of clients live in total isolation, seeing absolutely no one else for seven days of the week.
“For almost half of those we serve, we are the only human contact they receive in a day. Our visits are as important as our meals. If a client doesn’t answer the door to receive their meal, we know why before 5:00 pm that day,” says Jackie Hamm CEO of THE Kitchen. “We call them and if we receive no answer, we call their emergency contacts, sometimes the police, and go visit them ourselves. On many occasions we have found them injured and unable to seek help.”
THE Kitchen says they are a “family of four programs” because their clients feel like family. The Red Door Senior Center, Green Door Senior Center, Meals on Wheels and the Kid’s Meals Program are all under the umbrella of THE Kitchen.
Meals on Wheels has the highest number of clients and is always seeking volunteers and donations to sustain the program.
According to statistics in 2018, 60% of Meals on Wheels clients live below the poverty level which is $12,400 a year. Many survive on close to $8,000 a year. As a result, many have to choose between buying medicine and food. A majority say their meal from Meals on Wheels is the only food they eat in a day.
Ruth, one of those served through Meals on Wheels shared her story. “Meals on Wheels has helped me so much! I am 71 and have heart failure. They provide wonderful meals for us. If Meals on Wheels was not available, I would not eat. We seniors depend on daily meals to sustain us.”
Lee, another longtime client of the program shared, “Meals on Wheels has been a lifesaver for me. Due to disabilities, I am not able to cook anymore. I can’t lift pots and pans or stand and stir. I found myself not eating for days… Meals on Wheels provides me with a well-balanced hot meal.”
These are only two of the hundreds who depend of services to survive – hundreds who will benefit from the funds raised at HIGH HEELS FOR HOT MEALS 2019.
HIGH HEELS is celebrating its 5th year, always having the tried and true Shoe Garden sponsored by local businesses and hosted by The Shoe Closet. Each participant decorates a shoe and a bidding war takes place, with guest donating towards their favorite shoe throughout the night. A food buffet and beverages will be served along with entertainment provided by DJ Marcus (MF Maniac).
Signature drinks created by Karat Bistro will be available with the purchase of a raffle ticket to win either a man’s Luminox watch or a woman’s Michelle sports watch, both valued at approximately $1,000.
There will also be casino tables, a live shoe cam, and a live auction. Some of the auction items this year include a one-week trip to Hawaii, a vacation to Los Angeles to see The Voice, and a few more surprises.
“Our favorite auction items this year will be One Year’s Worth of Meals for one of our Meals on Wheels clients and equipment for the kitchen. Each day, we prepare around 2,000 meals for all of our programs, so some of our equipment needs to be replaced,” says Pam Hughes, Director of Marketing and Development.
“Those who attend HIGH HEELS FOR HOT MEALS enjoy the celebration but are really there to make a difference for the hungry in our 
community. When they bid, it really isn’t for the vacation. It’s to help our clients. Many of those who attend HIGH HEELS FOR HOT MEALS also deliver meals and know firsthand the impact the program makes. This is just another way for them to help. THE Kitchen has been truly blessed by our community of supporters,” says Hughes.
Tickets are $75 and can be purchased by going to thekitchenwf.org and clicking on the HIGH HEELS FOR HOT MEALS icon. Tickets are also available at The Shoe Closet, Karat Bistro, and The Kitchen office at 1000 Burnett.
For more information, go to The Kitchen Wichita Falls High Heels or Hot Meals on Facebook, call
(940)322-6232 or email
[email protected].
