Each year, the Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce (GBCC) recognizes and celebrates member businesses at their annual awards ceremony in the spring. All awardees begin with a nomination by their peers and recipients are chosen by a selection committee including recognition for Small Business of the Year, Large Business of the Year, and Non-Profit of the Year.
For 2022, Beloit Meals On Wheels, was named the GBCC Non-Profit of the Year for exceptional service to the community and for making a positive impact on the lives of those they serve. The award was accepted by Executive Director Ellen Wiegand on behalf of the Beloit Meals On Wheels team—below is the speech she shared:
“Good Evening!
52 years ago, Beloit Meals On Wheels started as a grassroots movement and has always been a team effort. The program began with a vision by a few caring individuals who saw a need in the community and decided to do something about it. Today, we continue this vision, to provide daily nutritious meals to help seniors stay independent in their homes—and the number of seniors in need—is increasing rapidly. Our data shows a 61% increase in clients served over the last five years alone. We outgrew our previous location and to meet this growing need, we moved to a new building at 1534 Shore Drive—thanks to the help of more visionaries, major donors, a caring community, our staff, and many amazing volunteers.
Being a small non-profit organization with a staff of four, we depend on our dedicated volunteers. Last year, 523 volunteers delivered over 44,000 meals to 278 seniors. While some volunteers deliver and serve meals, others work in the office and behind the scenes, and some serve as board members to uphold our governance.
From the vision of the beginning founders—to board members past and present—donors and corporate campaigns, and supporters from the United Way Blackhawk Region, I am proud, and I am truly honored, to accept this award on behalf of all these amazing people that are Beloit Meals On Wheels. Thank you so much!”
