The Citymeals Blog

Congratulations to Alana Kulig! She was recently honored by New York Nonprofit Media as one of 40 rising stars in New York City's nonprofit world.

What do you do at Citymeals?

I lead the Events & Partnerships team at Citymeals, raising funds to support our programs and mission. We host three signature fundraising events each year: The Power Lunch for Women, Sunday Supper at DANIEL and Chefs’ Tribute to Citymeals, now in its 33rd year. We also coordinate a host of other fundraisers and partner promotions, including Brooklyn Brunches, Dineout, Sweet September, Buy a Block – which engages the real estate community, and several Round Ups that allow shoppers to donate to Citymeals at some of the city’s leading retail outlets. We work closely with our Board of Directors, event chairs and co-chairs to make these events happen. And all of what we raise goes directly to fund the preparation and delivery of meals.

Our team is the primary liaison for an incredible roster of chefs, restaurateurs and other culinary industry leaders that support Citymeals. We also manage the volunteer and fundraising activities of our Young Professionals Committee and the Friends of Citymeals Committee – two groups of dedicated supporters.

Having meetings with Chef Daniel Boulud, our Board Co-President, about how to create the most fabulous trip to Paris, so we can maximize bidding during a live auction is not something I ever imagined I would do!

What does it take to succeed professionally as a young person?

Regardless of age, we should push ourselves to put in the best possible effort. There’s no reason not to strive for perfection. It’s equally important to learn from experience and keep in mind that everything you do is a learning opportunity, good or bad.

Good practice that has stuck with me since I began working: always have something to take notes with and be pro-active. If you haven’t heard from someone, waiting isn’t helpful: follow up. Also, as prepared as you are for an event, there is a good chance things won’t go as planned. Always be ready with a Plan B and a Plan C. It’s important to be able to improvise, think on your feet and roll with what you have. Making a garter out of a bed skirt, because the bride forgot it at home – that kind of solution-finding is what we are made of.

What would you like people to know about Citymeals?

Citymeals is the only organization in New York City that does what we do: providing meals and companionship for the homebound elderly. Many times older people remind us of loved ones we’ve lost, and thinking of their needs can be painful. But the work we do is so uplifting. When I go on a meal delivery and someone thanks me for the work that we do, it really touches me. Having that short interaction (or a longer visit, if I am lucky) makes my work and advocacy for the funds we need to provide those meals so much more meaningful.

Are there older people that have played an important role in your life?

Absolutely! With the exception of my sister, all have been older people. I was fortunate enough to grow up with both sets of grandparents until I was college-aged. I spent weekends at each of their houses every month. And my great-grandmother lived until she was 99 and was full of energy and life until she passed.

There’s rarely a day when my family and I don’t reference something about them – the food we made for Sunday dinners and on holidays, their sayings, the very special things about them.

One of the reasons I was so interested in working with Citymeals is that my father’s parents received meals on wheels in Massachusetts. While they had some family and neighbors nearby to help, as they got older, it was nearly impossible for them to cook for themselves or shop. My parents visited often, but on the days they could not, meals on wheels was truly a godsend for us and for them.

Until then, I did not fully appreciate the kind of services Citymeals provides and that kept my grandparents safe and nourished in their own home.

What is something you hope you can always do, regardless of age?

I love to read and write creatively – it’s stimulating and thought provoking. There is no typical "nine-to-five" in the world of events, so when I have a chance to step away from work, I like to read. It’s the easiest way for me to unwind and decompress and I can do it anywhere and at any time of day!