April 25, 2013

On Tuesday, April 23, Dennis Riese, longtime Citymeals-on-Wheels Board Member and CEO of Riese Restaurants, hosted Citymeals’ annual volunteer recognition party. In commemoration of Volunteer Recognition Week, Citymeals honored over 225 of the 12,200 dedicated volunteers who regularly help prepare and deliver meals, visit with homebound elderly, create and send holiday cards, and provide extra support during times of emergency.
                         
The event also paid tribute to the volunteers who selflessly aided in Citymeals’ vast Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. Last fall, over 800 volunteers answered Citymeals’ call for assistance before and after the storm by delivering shelf-stable meals to those without power, water or food throughout the five boroughs of New York City.

Vivienne O’Neill, Director of Volunteer Programs for Citymeals, stated, “Each year, we host this party to acknowledge the accomplishments of the volunteers who make our mission possible. Citymeals volunteers are committed to aiding our frail aged in any way possible and are always ready to respond to my call for assistance. I couldn’t have been more delighted to honor their work today.”

Citymeals Executive Director Beth Shapiro said, “Citymeals relies on the generosity of so many New Yorkers. Thank you to Dennis Riese for helping us celebrate with the many volunteers who give their time each year.”

For more photos from the event, visit our Facebook page.