By Andrew Alonzo | aalonzo@claremont-courier.com

Claremont Meals on Wheels President Barbara Gonzalez has a busy March ahead.

On top of getting hot, ready-to-eat meals to subscribers every day, she and CMOW’s 135 volunteers will be raising funds through a familiar monthlong event, the Party Parade.

With various themed events at private residences and businesses across the City of Trees, Party Parade was once one of fellow nonprofit Claremont Community Foundation’s biggest annual fundraisers. But when CCF closed its doors in 2019 after 30 years of service, Party Parade went with it.

Now it’s back thanks to the creativity of CMOW board members Rhonda Prout and Sonja Stump, who put together this year’s festivities.

The original intention of Claremont Meals on Wheels was that it would be self-supporting, Gonzalez said. But with inflation and other factors driving costs ever upward, something had to give. John Faranda, Claremont McKenna College’s vice president and ambassador at large, recommended CMOW — which has been operating in Claremont for a remarkable 52 years — create an event to help offset these costs.

“Party Parade was started more as a ‘friend-raiser’ and fundraiser for awareness for Claremont Meals on Wheels to the community because of the rising costs, as everyone knows, of food and all other products,” Gonzalez said. “We’ve had to find ways to get money to help the program and keep the cost down.

“That’s what we want to do, is just remain affordable for the people who need this service.”

(L-R) Claremont Meals on Wheels president Barbara Gonzalez and longtime meal packer Brenda Davis. Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo

Events in March will take place at five Claremont homes and 12 nearby businesses. The public is invited to each.

At-home events include a $35 buy in bunco game at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 9, at Valerie Martinez’s place, 2687 San Angelo Drive, Claremont; a 21-and-over cocktail class at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 14, at Evolve Distilling, 1420 N. Claremont Blvd., Suite 111-A, Claremont, for $70; a 6 to 8 p.m. $40 “souper” supper event Saturday, March 16, at the Neiuber’s home, 641 Indian Hill Blvd., Claremont; and a 6 to 9 p.m. poker night Saturday, March 23, at Claremont Manor’s game room, 650 Harrison Ave., Claremont, with a $100 buy in. A March 2 Texas BBQ night is already sold out.

Attendees will receive a thank you note with instructions on how to claim the event as a write-off on their taxes. Those who can’t attend these limited seating events are welcome to mail a check, payable to Claremont Meals on Wheels, to P.O. Box 1826 in Claremont, California 91711, or donate via PayPal or Zelle at treas@claremontmealsonwheels.org. Call (951) 675-9220 for more information.

In addition, businesses in and around Claremont with ties to CMOW will donate a portion of a day’s sales to the nonprofit. Participating locations and dates include Bert and Rocky’s Cream Co., 242 N. Yale Ave., Claremont, Tuesday, March 5; breakfast and lunch service at Claremont Village Eatery, 232 W. Bonita Ave., Claremont, Wednesday, March 6; Eddie’s Italian Eatery, 1065 W. Foothill Blvd., Claremont, also Wednesday, March 6; El Ranchero Mexican Food and Margaritas, 984 W. Foothill Blvd., Claremont — the usual destination of CMOW’s monthly fundraiser — Thursday, March 7; breakfast and lunch service at Euro Café, 546 E. Baseline Rd., Claremont, Tuesday, March 12; Nuno’s Bistro and Bar, 2440 W. Arrow Hwy., Suite 4A, Upland, Wednesday, March 13; I Like Pie Bakeshop, 175 N. Indian Hill Blvd., Unit 102B, Claremont, Monday, March 18; Union On Yale, 232 N. Yale Ave., Claremont, Tuesday, March 19; Walter’s Restaurant, 310 N. Yale Ave., Claremont, Wednesday, March 20; Packing House Wines, 540 W. First St., Claremont, Thursday, March 21; The Back Abbey, 128 N. Oberlin Ave., Claremont, Tuesday, March 26; wrapping at Tutti Mangia Italian Chophouse, 102 N. Harvard Ave., Claremont, Wednesday, March 27.

Be sure to tell your clerk or server that you would like a portion of your purchase to go to CMOW.

With Texas BBQ night already sold out and other at-home events getting filled, the monthlong event has already brought in about $5,775, Gonzalez said.

“Hopefully with this event, this will enable us to continue the service for another 50 years and keep the prices where they’re at,” Gonzalez added.

Gonzalez said she hopes the revitalized fundraiser generates exposure for CMOW and its mission. New clients are currently being accepted. Visit claremontmealsonwheels.org to learn more.

For additional Party Parade details, visit claremontmealsonwheels.org/events.

Claremont Meals on Wheels has served untold thousands of clients, mostly seniors and people with disabilities, since 1972. It is not affiliated with Meals on Wheels America, but both entities share a goal of delivering low-cost food to those who need it.