‘Delivering Hope’ Fundraiser Raises $35,000 for Meals on Wheels

OLD SAYBROOK–The Estuary’s Delivering Hope fundraiser earlier this month raised $35,000 in support of Meals on Wheels and its mission to nourish and connect homebound seniors.

The organization in a press release said a highlight of the Sept. 6 event was a live auction led by professional auctioneer Mike Nuzzo that generated over $17,000. Attendees not only bid on auction items, but also raised their paddles to pledge money for specific needs within the organization. 

Guests also had the opportunity to hear testimonials from local Meals on Wheels recipients and their families highlighting the importance of this program.

The Estuary credited event sponsors including platinum sponsors Essex Savings Bank and Gladeview Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. 

Heather Milardo, Director of Development for The Estuary, expressed gratitude for the “outpouring of support” from the community. 

“From our sponsors and auction donors to each guest who bought a ticket, raised their paddle, or placed a bid—thank you for helping us deliver more than just meals. You’re delivering hope,” she said. 

Proceeds from Delivering Hope will directly support the delivery of meals, wellness checks, and caring connections to older adults across the region.

For more information or to support Meals on Wheels, visit www.yourestuary.org.

Author

Elizabeth started her journalism career in 2013 with the launch of The Salem Connect, a community news site inspired by digital trailblazers like Olwen Logan. Elizabeth’s earliest reporting included two major fires — one at a package store and another at a log cabin where she captured, on video, a state trooper fatally shooting the unarmed homeowner and suspected arsonist. The experiences gave her a crash course in public record searches, courthouse procedures and the Freedom of Information Act. She went on to report for The Bulletin, CT News Junkie, The Rivereast, and The Day, where she covered the Lymes and helped launch the Housing Solutions Lab on affordable housing. Her work has earned numerous awards from the Connecticut Society of Professional Journalists and the New England Newspaper & Press Association. Now, after more than a decade in digital, weekly, and daily journalism, she’s grateful to return to the place where it all started: an online news site dedicated to one small corner of Connecticut.