Meals on Wheels brings Hollywood glitz and glamor to fundraiser

Lake Club’s Kathy Martella is ready to hit the red carpet. 

Although she hasn’t selected the dress she will wear, she knows it will either have some sparkle or rhinestones to bring plenty of glitz and glam. 

Martella used some of the outfits worn at the Academy Awards March 12 as inspiration to prepare for Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee’s Tropical Nights Goes Hollywood. 

“I was looking very closely,” Martella said about watching the Oscars. “Of course, I can’t top what they wear, but let me see what Hollywood’s wearing. They’re a little more over the top than I could do. I’m definitely looking forward to a fun night to dress up like I’m in Hollywood. This is a nice excuse to dress up and bring on the glitz.”

Maribeth Phillips, the CEO and president of Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee, said the event will have plenty to celebrate.

After guests strut down the red carpet, they will run into James Bond and Lady Gaga impersonators. Guests can get their photo taken with a 360 camera and dance the night away to music provided by the band Tropical Ave. 

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“I expect we’ll see all kinds of outfits,” Phillips said. “I’m sure there will be people who will be very Hollywood glam. Over the years, people have gotten into the spirit of the theme (of Tropical Nights).”

Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee’s annual Tropical Nights event is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the nonprofit. 

“It’s always a very fun night with great food and dancing,” Martella said. “I love the exposure the organization gets because I think people don’t know how much else Meals on Wheels does besides providing weekly meals. It is near and dear to my heart way back from when my mom would feed neighbors who needed it. I see the need, and I just love paying it forward right in our own backyard.”

With inflation and effects from Hurricane Ian causing the cost of rent, food and other necessities to rise, Phillips said the nonprofit’s ability to serve the community is more crucial than ever. 

“These funds that will be raised at Tropical Nights will, in turn, help us make sure we are feeding all the people who come to us. We’re able to secure the food through the food bank and get it to our pantries and continue to provide the programs we do,” Phillips said. “Our programs are life changing for many people.”

Phillips said she’s encountered people who have had to choose between putting gas in their car or paying their rent. Then when food prices increased, it only made matters worse. 

“Whoever thought a carton of eggs would cost $7,” she said. “I saw firsthand people who needed Meals on Wheels, and literally there was nothing in their refrigerator. This is why these programs are so important to people in need.”

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Just like other companies and nonprofits, the operating costs for Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee has increased as a result of inflation, Phillips said. The nonprofit is having to spend more to obtain the food needed for its various programs. 

“We’ve experienced shortages of staff, changes in hiring and our expenses have gone up,” she said. “This is why our annual gala, Tropical Nights, is so critical.”

People who aren’t able to attend Tropical Nights still can support the nonprofit through its silent auction. The auction opens March 17 and closes at 7:30 p.m. March 25.