Press Release

December 5, 2006 Bradenton, Florida  - Not a creature was stirring not even a mouse -  last night, as Vernon DeSear, Vice President of Marketing at Manatee Memorial Hospital, announced that the Manatee Memorial Hospital and Manatee Memorial Hospital Foundation are contributing $100,000.00 to Meals on Wheels PLUS “On the Move” Capital and Endowment Campaign for the Senior Enrichment Center.

 In fact there was quite a clatter as guests applauded this generous contribution. Vernon DeSear was inaugurated into Meals on Wheels PLUS Circle of Excellence, for his outstanding support and service to the seniors of Manatee County. The Circle of Excellence is a society that recognizes visionary leaders who help to further the mission of Meals on Wheels PLUS.

Mayor Wayne Poston also wowed last nights guests by announcing that The City of Bradenton, over a two year period, will match Manatee Memorial Hospital’s $100,000 donation. Mayor Poston reiterated how important it is for Manatee County - with its large senior population - to have a senior center.

 Dr. Owen and Dottie McCarthy generously opened their doors to host this event at their beautiful home on Riverview Boulevard. The evening was capped off with a personal DVD highlighting the many contributions of Vernon DeSear to not only Meals on Wheels PLUS, but to the entire Manatee Community.

The Senior Enrichment Center will house services and facilities for active seniors which will include craft and hobby rooms, an auditorium, fitness center, meeting rooms, bistro, library, and a health center.  For more information on Meals on Wheels PLUS or the Senior Enrichment Center, please visit www.mealsonwheelsplus.org or call 941-747-4655.

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Meals on Wheels PLUS receives $100,000 check from Manatee Memorial  Hospital                                                                                                       Left to Right: Vernon DeSear, Ellen Campbell, Darrell Turner, Mark Goodson

Left to right:                                                                                                        Ellen Campbell, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels PLUS with gracious          hostess Dottie McCarthy. 

 Kim Taylor volunteers with crew from Publix Supermarkets.

811 23rd Avenue East
Bradenton, FL 34208
PHONE: (941) 747-4655
FAX: (941) 747-9871
Email: Info@mealsonwheelsplus.org