October 3, 2013

More than 250 dedicated Citymeals meal center and case management agency staff were honored for their outstanding service to New York City’s homebound elderly at the 2013 STAR Awards. The ceremony was hosted by longtime Citymeals board member Dennis Riese, CEO of the Riese Organization, at T.G.I. Friday’s in midtown Manhattan. Citymeals also recognized ten workers who went above and beyond the call of duty this year.

One of this year’s winners, Jason, saved the lives of three meal recipients. Jason is a driver who has delivered meals in Brooklyn for the past four years. Although he has no medical background, he knows the basics from training programs. During the three incidents, Jason remained calm, called for assistance, and kept each of the meal recipients conscious and talking until help arrived. He has never left the side of one of his homebound elderly neighbors in need. 

Citymeals Chief Program Officer Rachel Sherrow commented, “Every year we host the STAR Awards to acknowledge the accomplishments of the special people that provide nutritious meals to New York’s frail aged. Employees at the 33 meal centers and 23 case management agencies – including drivers, deliverers, kitchen staff, case managers, and program managers – are integral to the success of our vital work. We couldn’t be more grateful for their commitment.”