Stride for Seniors Charity Walk raised more than $420,000 for senior meals on Saturday, April 20. The second annual event brought together more than 2,500 walkers to raise funds and awareness for Meals on Wheels People.

Wilsonville Subaru was the presenting sponsor. Other major sponsors included New Seasons Market, Hoffman Construction, Walter E. Nelson, The Standard, VW Credit and Mark P. O’Donnell, O’Donnell Law. Bolivia Carmichaels served as Master of Ceremonies. Music was provided by DJ Tripp Wire.

Other attractions include Seedlings for Seniors, a “Why I Walk” tree, face painting, Earth Day arts and crafts, an Easter egg hunt and a variety of activities for children. The event also featured a free pancake breakfast for all participants, sponsored by The Diner Vancouver, as well as a Libation Station with adult beverages, a wine tasting, Rose Festival clowns and a variety of costumed mascots. Tina Klassy-Coleman, 1978 Rose Festival Queen, was the special guest and she introduced Marlene McDonald, the first member of the Senior-Senior Court, who will appear on the Meals on Wheels People float in the Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade on June 8.

Steve Dunn from KATU presented awards to teams and individuals who raised the most money for Meals on Wheels People. For more information, visit strideforseniors.org.

About Meals on Wheels People: Meals on Wheels People has been changing lives, one meal at a time, since 1970. We serve and deliver 5,000 nutritious meals every weekday to older adults throughout Multnomah, Washington and Clark counties. But we provide more than a meal to thousands of older adults in the greater Portland metro area. Our service not only alleviates hunger and social isolation, but allows seniors to live independently with dignity in their own homes. Aging in place reduces depression, falls and hospitalization as well as the high cost of institutional care. For more information, visit: mowp.org.