Big Country Can Help Feed Seniors At This August Fundraiser

One of the things I've always loved about living in the Big Country is watching our communities come together when someone needs help.

Whether it's raising money after a natural disaster, helping a family through a medical crisis, or making sure seniors have a hot meal waiting for them, West Texans have always answered the call.

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That's exactly why I'm excited to see the Meals on Wheels Plus Sporting Clays Classic returning on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Abilene Clay Sports. This annual fundraiser helps Meals on Wheels Plus continue providing nutritious meals, friendly visits, and wellness checks to seniors, homebound residents, and others throughout Abilene and the Big Country.

I've Seen The Difference Meals On Wheels Makes

Several years ago, I had the privilege of volunteering as a Meals on Wheels Plus delivery driver.

I quickly learned that I wasn't just delivering lunch.

For many of the wonderful people I visited, that meal also came with a smile, a friendly conversation, and sometimes the only visitor they would see that day. Those few minutes spent visiting at the front door often meant just as much as the hot meal itself.

That's something I'll never forget.

It's one of the many reasons this fundraiser means so much to me.

More Than A Fundraiser

Yes, there will be plenty of friendly competition, but the real winners will be the neighbors who continue receiving the meals and care they depend on every day.

This year's event features cash awards including:

• Men's Division: First Place - $1,000
• Women's Division: First Place - $1,000
• Youth Division: First Place - $500

If competing isn't your thing, there are still several ways to help. Meals on Wheels Plus welcomes sponsors, volunteers, raffle participants, and financial supporters who simply want to make a difference.

West Texans Have Always Been Generous

One of my favorite memories comes from the Ben Richey Boys Ranch Labor Day cookoffs.

Whenever my team was fortunate enough to win prize money, we'd simply hand the check right back to the charity. Even when another team won, the crowd would start chanting, "Give it back! Give it back! Give it back!" Everyone laughed because we all knew the real reason we were there to help support an incredible cause.

That's what I love about our community.

When there's an opportunity to help someone else, people in the Big Country show up.

Incredible Raffle Prizes And Ways To Help

This year's fundraiser also features some outstanding raffle prizes, including a 2026 Can-Am Defender MAX Lone Star HD10, giving supporters another fun way to help raise additional funds for Meals on Wheels Plus.

Whether you register for the event, volunteer your time, become a sponsor, or purchase raffle tickets, your support helps provide meals and compassionate care to people who need it most.

How You Can Get Involved

If you'd like to register, become a sponsor, purchase raffle tickets, or learn more about the 2026 Meals on Wheels Plus Sporting Clays Classic, visit mealsonwheelsplus.com/sporting-clays-classic.

Meals on Wheels Plus is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and every dollar raised helps provide meals and vital services to seniors and homebound neighbors throughout the Big Country.

Having delivered those meals myself, I can tell you every dollar truly matters.

Because the person receiving that next meal may not be your grandmother or grandfather, or mine, but they are someone's loved one.

And here in West Texas, taking care of our neighbors is simply what we do.

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