OPC 5K Run/Walk for Meals on Wheels!

Rochester, MI: The OPC’s 16th annual 5K Run/Walk for Meals on Wheels will be held on Saturday, June 4, beginning at 8am. Walkers and runners of all levels are invited to join this family friendly event, helping to raise important funds for OPC’s Meals on Wheels service, which supports seniors in the local community. For those who wish to participate on their own schedule and at their own pace, there will be a virtual option to complete the race anytime throughout the month of June.

This long-standing event raises awareness and funds for the OPC’s Meals on Wheels service, which provides nutritious daily meals for 593 homebound seniors living throughout Northeastern Oakland County. In 2021, OPC’s Nutrition Department prepared 89,065 hot meals for 593 seniors. Meals are available to anyone 60+ who is unable to shop for or prepare their own meals. There is no income qualification. The OPC is typically able to fulfill new meal requests within 24 hours, with no waiting list. Meals are also available on a temporary basis, for someone perhaps recovering from surgery or illness. Meals on Wheels is more than just a meal: the dedicated volunteers who deliver the meals provide critical wellness checks, ensuring that clients are healthy and safe. In many instances, the meal delivery is the only regular contact a senior might receive in a day.

OPC member Darlyn Aretakis has been a long-time participant, and says, “I love, love, love the 5K for Meals on Wheels! I look forward to it every year and sign up the minute it comes out. It’s such a fun day and a great way to get out and see everyone!” Fellow racer, Glorian Ebel concurs, saying “It’s such a fun day and for such a wonderful cause! I just imagine how much seniors receiving meals look forward to that daily knock on their doors, and it makes me so happy to be part of it!”

Proud sponsors of the 5K include Presenting Sponsor, Pixley Funeral Home, Supporting Sponsor Par Pharmaceutical and Partners, Sunnyside Medicare, The Village of Oakland Woods, Stoney Creek Advisors and Town Village of Sterling Heights.

The run/walk begins and ends at the OPC and travels along the picturesque Clinton River Trail. Whether walking or running, participants will enjoy the scenic course. Registration is open and the form can be found at opcseniorcenter.org. The entry fee is $25 before May 25 and includes an event t-shirt. For more information, contact Mandy Mullins at (248)608-0278.

ABOUT THE OLDER PERSONS' COMMISSION (OPC)

OPC is Michigan’s premier adult community center dedicated to the physical, intellectual and emotional well-being of Rochester, Rochester Hills and Oakland Township residents who are 50+. In addition to “Meals on Wheels,” the OPC offers resources through its Adult Day Services, support groups and much more. All of the services offered by the OPC are designed to help individuals 50 and older age in place, stay connected to the community, and maintain their independence. For more information about the OPC, visit opcseniorcenter.org, like us on Facebook or call 248-656-1403.

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April 25, 2022, OPC and Rochester.Life Staff