Meals on Wheels has fundraiser this week

It delivers meals to about 130 Lawrence residents every day, but on Thursday, Meals on Wheels will be serving up a lot more than just food.

“We have just about anything you can think of,” Executive Director Kim Culliss said, talking about items that will be up for bid at the organization’s fifth annual charity auction.

Among the big-ticket items will be two roundtrip tickets anywhere Midwest Airlines flies, an all-day boating package from the Clinton Lake Marina, a Branson getaway, a Wii package and a catered party for 10 by Evan Williams.

The upcoming event is one of Meals on Wheels’ biggest fundraisers.

“We need the help now more than ever,” Culliss said. “Eighty-five percent of our clients need financial assistance, so they’re feeling it.”

Cullis said the organization, which has been serving meals in Lawrence for the past 39 years, doesn’t turn anyone away.

The fundraising event, Taste of Elegance, will be at 6 p.m. Thursday at Bella Sera Condominiums, 4500 Bob Billings Pkwy. Tickets are $30 and are available at the door, or in advance by calling the Meals on Wheels office at 830-8844.

The organization, which has 120 volunteers, is looking for additional drivers and hoping to add additional routes soon.