By Megan Braun

For the Salisbury Post

The tradition of mint juleps and oversized extravagant hats continued Saturday night as Meals on Wheels of Rowan County hosted its “Itchin’ for a Kitchen” Kentucky Derby-themed gala. The event benefited the organization’s capital campaign for a commercial kitchen to be added to its Spencer office at 1307 S. Salisbury Ave.

The derby party was hosted by three local couples: Capri and Shawn Brixey, Karen and Jeff Martinez and Tracy and John McMillin. Having hosted a derby party of their own for the past several years, they decided to team up with Meals on Wheels this year.

“Meals on Wheels of Rowan needs its own kitchen to better serve the needs of our clients,” said Rita Sims, executive director. “Right now, we’re serving 207 meals a day to homebound seniors and distributing them on 27 routes throughout the county.” The organization contracts with two local restaurants to provide and prepare meals.

With nearly 1,000 volunteers countywide, Meals on Wheels of Rowan hopes that with the addition of a kitchen, its clients can be served fresher, more nutritious meals.

“It is important that people get at least one decent meal a day. Having a kitchen clearly makes it easier,” gala attendee Kathy Dunn said. Dunn’s husband is a volunteer for Meals on Wheels.

Meals on Wheels board member Jeff Schall said that the addition of a kitchen would cost nearly $1 million.

“I hope this event can spread awareness of Meals on Wheels and create some buzz about our goals,” Schall said. They hope to have raised at least 50 percent of the $1 million goal before beginning to build the kitchen in the fall.

To contribute to Meals on Wheels, visit mowrowannc.org/howyoucanhelp.aspx. You can also mail donations to PO Box 1914, Salisbury NC 28145.