Citymeals On Wheels Raises Over $1 Million At 31st Annual Power Lunch For Women

Photo Credit: Konrad Brattke Photography/Eric Vitale Photography

Who knew in 1986 what began as a take on the traditional men’s power breakfast would grow into a networking imperative for New York City’s most influential women?

On November 16th, over 300 women in the fields of entertainment, business, technology, arts, media, and politics, gathered at New York City’s famed Rainbow Room to support Citymeals on Wheels at the non-profit’s 31st Annual Power Lunch for Women. The luncheon was emceed by “Good Day New York” anchor Rosanna Scotto and raised over $1 million to provide nearly 136,000 meals to New York’s City’s homebound elderly. 100-percent of the money raised from the event will go directly to the preparation and delivery of meals for the city’s frail aged in all five boroughs.

This year’s luncheon honored longtime supporters Nick Valenti (Citymeals Board Member and CEO of Patina Restaurant Group), Patina Restaurant Group, and Tren’ness Woods-Black (President & Chief Strategist, TWB & Sylvia’s Restaurant).

Photo Credit: Konrad Brattke Photography/Eric Vitale Photography

“Serving on the board of Citymeals on Wheels for the last 26 years has been one of the most gratifying experiences of my life,” explained Valenti who has been a board member since 1991 and championed several Citymeals initiatives, including Citymeals Dineout and Chefs Deliver. He and Patina Restaurant Group also serve as hosts for the annual Chefs’ Tribute to Citymeals on Wheels, which celebrated its 32nd anniversary last June.

Woods-Black, a longtime friend of Citymeals on Wheels, was honored for her dedication to the city’s homebound elderly, spearheading the organization’s inclusion in the Harlem EatUp! festival. “Nourishing my frail aged neighbors is a privilege. As my grandmother Sylvia would often say: It is better to give than receive,” Tren’ness noted.

Citymeals volunteer, Heava Lawrence-Challenger, was also honored with the City National Spirit Award for her enduring commitment to older New Yorkers in need. Every Saturday, she and her school-age daughter deliver meals to their homebound elderly neighbors before visiting with an 84-year-old meal recipient who lives alone and with whom they have developed a special bond.

Photo Credit: Konrad Brattke Photography/Eric Vitale Photography

Beth Shapiro, Executive Director of Citymeals on Wheels, said, “The homebound elderly we serve are the city’s most vulnerable population. They count on the vital lifeline of nutritious meals and warm companionship Citymeals provides. Thanks to the generosity of the women – and men – in this room, our frail aged neighbors can take comfort in knowing that Citymeals will always be there for them and that they will not be forgotten. Thank you to Nick, Patina Restaurant Group and Tren’ness, as well as all our guests and sponsors who are ensuring no homebound elderly New Yorker will ever go a day without a nourishing meal and a friendly smile.

Since its founding in 1981, Citymeals on Wheels has delivered 56 million meals throughout the five boroughs. Each year, the organization prepares and delivers over 2 million weekend, holiday and emergency meals to more than 18,000 frail aged New Yorkers.

Photo Credit: Konrad Brattke Photography/Eric Vitale Photography