(Greensburg, IN) – One of Greensburg Meals on Wheels’ biggest fundraising traditions is back later this winter — and the organization’s director says it’s more important than ever.
The annual Dancing with the Stars fundraiser is scheduled for the evening of Thursday, February 26 at Community Church of Greensburg, located at 1427 W. Vandalia Road.
Executive Director Diana Robbins said the event is the organization’s largest fundraiser each year — and it routinely sells out.
“It is a sellout every year,” Robbins said. “We sell 350 tickets.”
This year’s fundraiser is the 14th edition of Meals on Wheels’ local “Dancing with the Stars” event, and Robbins teased a new theme that will lean into country fun.
“Our theme this year is going to be country based,” she said.
Individual tickets are $25, with tables of 10 available for $200. Tickets are available now by calling (812) 663-6099.
Robbins said Meals on Wheels continues to operate with an emphasis on keeping costs low for clients. “We’re still doing it at the slowest possible price to our clients,” she said.
According to Robbins, the program’s clients pay $2.40 per meal, while the cost to provide each meal is about $8.50.
“The difference of that is made up, you know, through that fundraising and through private donations,” she said, adding that Meals on Wheels does not receive government funding. “We don’t get any funding from the government or anything like that. So, you know, it’s pretty much local, locally supported.”
Robbins also highlighted the group’s reach beyond Greensburg, including its partnership that helps provide meals in the Batesville area.
“We’re proud that we’ve expanded and that, you know, we’re able to reach Batesville in that area as we are, thanks to WRBI,” she said.
Robbins estimated there are currently “about 10 or 12” people in Batesville receiving meals, with “40 to 50” clients in the Greensburg area.
Beyond the nutritional support, Robbins said the program’s daily wellness check can make a major difference for seniors and homebound residents.
“We touch so many lives, not even just the food aspect, but just a daily contact and seeing the people and checking on them,” she said.
Meals are prepared locally at Decatur County Memorial Hospital, Robbins said, and are planned and approved by a licensed dietitian. She described the meals as “heart healthy and diabetic friendly.”
For those who qualify within the city limits of Greensburg, Robbins said hot meals are delivered Monday through Wednesday, with frozen meals provided for later in the week. She also noted that frozen meal pickup is available both in Batesville and Greensburg.
Robbins said the Dancing with the Stars fundraiser helps Meals on Wheels meet rising costs and continue serving the community. Last year’s event raised a record total.
“Last year we … made more than we’ve ever made,” she said. “We made probably close to $30,000.”
Robbins encouraged local residents to consider volunteering, supporting fundraisers, or reaching out if they have questions about service options.
“Anything that you need answered, any way I can help … don’t hesitate to call me,” Robbins said. “That number would be (812) 663-6099.”
