“Even in strong economic times which we have obviously been blessed with, the gap has widened on the number of Meals on Wheels folks still looking to be served. And we are going each year a little deeper in this hole,” said Mike Smith, co-chair with wife Sassy of last Monday’s Pro-Am Charity Golf Classic Tournament to benefit the Senior Resource Association’s Meals on Wheels program.

This was the third year for the sold-out event, which paired foursomes with 20 PGA golf professionals for a spectacular day on the links at Vero’s oldest golf course, the Riomar Country Club. Players were joined later by dinner-only guests for cocktails and a scrumptious dinner before auctioneer Neil Saffer worked his magic, raising more than $150,000 through an auction of highly desirable items and a paddle raise to provide meals to seniors on a waitlist.

“Your generosity of time and money toward our goal of feeding all the needy seniors here in Indian River County is just incredible. It’s just amazing what you’ve all done for us,” said Smith, thanking sponsors, pros and guests.

Karen Deigl, SRA CEO/president, reiterated her appreciation to all involved, giving particular thanks to the Smiths, saying, “You have no idea how you have transformed the Meals on Wheels program here in Indian River County.”

She noted that they currently serve more than 60,000 hot, nutritious meals to roughly 250 homebound seniors, but said there are still 136 more on a waitlist. As a result of donations from the prior events, 75 of those are receiving meals.

“These are seniors who have no means of getting out,” said Deigl. “This is their hot, nutritious meal served every day. And in some cases, because we do surveys, it may be the only meal that they get. We have many, many volunteers that come every day, Monday through Friday, and they deliver these meals to these individuals. And it’s not just about the meal; it’s about that daily check. It’s somebody making sure that they are OK, that that person hasn’t fallen, that that person is still alive, even.”

Dennis Cairns, a former UPS driver, has been a volunteer since 2006 when he retired. He shared how visits often serve as a lifeline for the homebound.

“When I go into their places sometimes and I talk to them, they say, ‘You know, you’re the only person we see all week.’ And it really breaks your heart,” said Cairns. “It’s such a great way to make a big impact in a short amount of time. The secret to being happy, I’ve always said, is to help somebody that really needs your help. I’ve always thought, you have not lived until you can help somebody that can’t repay you. But really, they do repay me every day. When they give me that smile and a thank you, that’s all you need. I’m telling you from my heart, I get way more out of it than I put into it.”