ROANOKE— The Local Office on Aging will host its 35th annual “Let’s Give Lunch” fundraiser June 5 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at North Roanoke Baptist Church, 6402 Peters Creek Road NW.
Proceeds support the nonprofit’s Meals on Wheels program, which delivers meals to homebound seniors across Roanoke, Botetourt, Craig and Alleghany counties and the cities of Roanoke, Salem and Covington.
The event traces its roots to 1991, when the organization — then called the League of Older Americans — received a Meals on Wheels America grant sponsored by Seagram’s Corp., making it one of five agencies nationwide to receive the funding. To secure a matching grant requirement, LOA organized “Lunch on the Lawn,” a picnic-style fundraiser held June 14, 1991, in a vacant lot next to its offices at 706 Campbell Ave. SW. Lunches sold for $10 each, and about 600 meals were purchased.
The event grew into an annual community tradition, eventually adding entertainment, a silent auction and live music. Staff at the time nicknamed it “Sweat on the Grass” due to the summer heat under the event tent.
“I remember it was sweltering hot most years — so much so that the staff nicknamed the event ‘Sweat on the Grass,’” said Ron Boyd, LOA president and CEO and the last remaining staff member from the inaugural event. “We really didn’t know when we started how it would grow to become the Roanoke Valley tradition it is today.”
Weather challenges and tent rental costs prompted organizers to move the event indoors to the Kazim Temple Ballroom in 2002, when it was renamed “Let’s Do Lunch.” In 2018, following LOA’s relocation, the event moved to North Roanoke Baptist Church.
When the COVID-19 pandemic forced cancellations of in-person gatherings in 2020, LOA pivoted to a virtual format, rebranding the event “Let’s Give Lunch” and broadcasting performances and staff appearances via social media. The community raised $65,000 that year. A drive-thru format debuted in 2021 and has remained in place since.
Last year, more than 1,100 boxed lunches were sold and the event raised $57,000.
Beyond nutrition, organizers say Meals on Wheels serves a broader purpose. For many recipients, the volunteer delivering their meal may be the only person they see for days or weeks.
“Something as simple as a lunch can mean everything to a senior who is alone,” Boyd said. “This event gives our community an easy, tangible way to step in — ensuring our older neighbors not only have a meal, but also the connection and care that help them remain safe and independent at home.”
Boxed lunches can be ordered for drive-thru pickup or delivery. Donations, raffle ticket purchases and volunteer sign-ups are also available at loaa.org/letsgivelunch or by calling (540) 345-0451.
-The Salem Times-Register
