Bellyful of Laughs raises over $24,000 to support Meals on Wheels

On Saturday, January 22, 2011, Mystic Valley Elder Services held its second annual Bellyful of Laughs comedy event to raise funds for its critical Meals on Wheels program.

The event, which took place at Anthony’s in Malden, featured well-known local comedians Tony V and Jim Colliton.  The event was also sponsored by ABC Home Healthcare Professionals and was co-hosted by the Zonta Club of Malden.

Despite the bitter cold night, 400 people showed up to eat, laugh, and support the elders in their communities.  Over 3000 raffle tickets were sold, and the event took in more than $24,000 to support meal delivery to homebound elders.

MVES Executive Director Dan O’Leary said that the community involvement in the Bellyful of Laughs event was a boon to the meal home delivery program.  “Our Meals on Wheels program allows elders to stay in their homes and to keep living independently within their communities.  The support being shown tonight by these 400 folks is a key ingredient to the 1,700 meals delivered every day,” he said.

Jeannette Sheehan, founder and owner of ABC Home Healthcare Professionals, echoed Mr. O’Leary’s sentiments.  “We are committed to helping people live independently and in their own homes for as long as possible, and MVES’ Meals on Wheels program does just that.  Plus, it’s a fact that spending just one or two minutes a day laughing is an effective way to improve your overall health.  That makes this Bellyful event a win-win for everyone involved.”

MVES’ Meals on Wheels program provides hot and cold meals to 1,400 elders in eight communities five days a week.  These meals help elders maintain independent lives in their own homes, and the delivery service also ensures that someone is checking on the elders at least once a day in case of emergency. 

Mystic Valley Elder Services is a 35-year-old non-profit agency.  It acts as an entry point through which elders, families, caregivers, and health care professionals can access a wide variety of programs, services, and supports, including Meals on Wheels.

In May 2011, MVES will host a benefit performance of 42nd Streetat the Stoneham Theatre to raise funds for another of its important programs, the MVES Gap Fund, a capital project to provide services to local older adults who need essential home services but are ineligible for state assistance.