The first annual Motor City Wheels for Meals fundraising event, starting with a VIP reception at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, May 21, inside the new Matick Car Wash in Redford Township, will raise funds for two Area Agency on Aging (AAA) organizations in Wayne County that operate Meals on Wheels programs (the Detroit AAA and The Senior Alliance).
Both agencies work in partnership to serve about 6,000 meals weekdays, which include a variety of hot, frozen, Halal or liquid-nutrition meals, depending on the seniors’ needs.
Co-sponsors Wayne County Executive Warren Evans and Detroit Mayor Michael Duggan will participate in the evening program, which strives to build awareness that hungry homebound seniors need help.
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The 2018 fundraising goal is $300,000. Every dollar donated in this campaign goes directly to providing meals to seniors. The agencies have more than 1,000 seniors on their waiting lists.
May is Wayne County’s official Senior Nutrition Awareness Month. The fundraising event is helping to spread the word about seniors facing serious food insecurity issues.
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“Thousands of our community’s seniors go without food every day,” explains Kevin Kelley, strategic partnership manager for Wayne County Senior Services. “While the Detroit and Wayne County Meals on Wheels programs provide about 6,000 of our needy seniors with one meal daily during the week, the programs lack sufficient resources to expand, or even maintain, the growing demand for their services,” says Kelley, a Plymouth resident.
In addition to delivering a meal, volunteers also are virtually helping to provide a safety and wellness check, which also helps to keep seniors in their homes longer, Kelley adds. “We also are grateful for this Motor City Wheels for Meals partnership with the Matick Automotive Group that will move us forward and strengthen our mission.”
Event: On May 21, Matick Auto Wash will open its doors for the first time, as Matick hosts the first annual Motor City Wheels for Meals fundraiser.
Live music, a strolling dinner, a special give-away, ribbon cutting, cocktails, short program and more will highlight the event, which will draw everyone from corporate executives to Wayne County mayors to individuals making a difference in the lives of seniors. County Executive Evans and Mayor Duggan will attend the fundraiser. Tickets are $125 apiece and can also be purchased in groups. Sponsorships are available.
Ticket Information: To purchase tickets, make a donation, or to learn more about becoming a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, contact the event hotline at 313-765-1516 or visit thesenioralliance.org.
About The Fundraiser Venue: Owned by Matick Automotive Group dealer Karl Zimmermann, the Matick Auto Wash and detail center is a $7.5-million investment that will employ more than 80 new team members when fully operational. It is located adjacent to the Matick Chevrolet dealership at the northwest corner of Telegraph Road and the I-96 Service Drive/Schoolcraft Road, in Redford Township.
“Our new facility is another great example of economic development in Wayne County and we’re proud to showcase the state’s largest and most advanced car wash during this first annual Motor City Wheels for Meals fundraiser,” says Karl Zimmermann of Bloomfield Hills. “After all, the birth place of the very first car wash was in Detroit in 1914.”
“We’ve hired a great staff to ensure this auto wash shines as a top-quality facility, from service to cleaning processes. Those attending the fundraiser inside our new complex will enjoy a free cash wash for their support,” adds Molly Williams, a Bingham Farms resident and CEO of the Matick Automotive Group.