Donations from the outing will help provide 12,000 meals, safety checks and friendly visits to 500-plus Lincoln neighbors who rely on this lifeline program to remain independent and safe in the comfort of their homes. Eighty-five percent of meal recipients say a volunteer is often the only face-to-face interaction they have in a day. And 70 percent of recipients are unable to afford the $6.25 cost of a meal. As Tabitha turns no one in need away from a nutritious meal, community contributions are instrumental in ensuring everyone is served regardless of their ability to pay.

“Our partnership with those like Gateway Sertoma is why Tabitha Meals on Wheels is able to continue to operate,” said Heath Stukenholtz, Tabitha’s chief development officer. “The success of this event is due to the hard work and overwhelming commitment local supporters have dedicated to Tabitha over the years.”

Gateway Sertoma was founded as a service club in Lincoln in 1961. The group’s mission is “service to mankind,” motivating members to volunteer service and fundraising for community programs in need. Seventeen years ago, Gateway Sertoma members combined their love of service with their love of golf by hosting this charity golf tournament to benefit Tabitha’s mission. Members turned to Tabitha to help coordinate the tournament, with proceeds benefiting first Tabitha Hospice and today Tabitha Meals on Wheels.

“Gateway Sertoma Club has been honored to be a part of this event in support of Tabitha and the Meals on Wheels program,” said Charlie Huff, Gateway Sertoma golf committee member. “Our members are dedicated to this fundraiser because they recognize the extraordinary impact Tabitha Meals on Wheels has in Lincoln.”

Event proceeds will help provide meals for 550-plus individuals each day through Tabitha Meals on Wheels. Seventy percent of recipients are unable to afford the $6.25 cost of the meal. As Tabitha has made a point to turn no one in need away from a warm meal, contributions like those from Gateway Sertoma are instrumental in keeping this program in operation.

“Partnerships like those with Gateway Sertoma are why Tabitha Meals on Wheels can continue to operate,” said Christie Hinrichs, Tabitha president and CEO. “We are truly blessed by the hard work, dedication and commitment this group has shown for Tabitha Meals on Wheels.”

Gateway Sertoma was founded as a service club over 50 years ago. The group’s mission is “service to mankind,” motivating members to volunteer service and fundraising for community programs in need. Fifteen years ago, group members married their love of service with their love of golf by hosting a charity golf tournament. Members turned to Tabitha to help operate the tournament with proceeds benefiting first Tabitha Hospice and later Tabitha Meals on Wheels.

Courtesy: Lincoln Journal Star Story

“We are proud and humbled by yet another generous gift from this incredibly generous organization,” said Christie Hinrichs, Tabitha president and CEO. “Gateway Sertoma has been a loyal partner and benefactor for many years, and the giving spirit of its membership does not go unnoticed, particularly by the more than 400 clients who receive Tabitha Meals on Wheels each and every day.”

Tournament proceeds came from a variety of corporate sponsors, individual donors, silent auction items and a record 160-plus golfers. KLKN-TV took home the trophy and bragging rights as the winner of the tournament’s annual corporate media challenge. Next year’s tournament is June 7, 2013.

Operating 365 days per year, Tabitha Meals on Wheels is the oldest—and today, the only—such program in Lincoln. Its volunteer drivers deliver hot, nutritious meals to Elders in their homes and provide a critical safety check for seniors in the community. More than 70 percent of Tabitha Meals on Wheels recipients cannot afford the $5.50 per meal cost, and it is only because of the generosity of donors like the Gateway Sertoma Club that Tabitha can continue to say ‘yes’ to all in need, regardless of financial resources.

Gateway Sertoma has given back to the Lincoln community for 50 years. The 50-member club has raised more than $1 million for organizations including Tabitha, the Barkley Center for Scholarships and the Nebraska Hearing Aid Bank.