North Area Meals on Wheels Board of Trustees President Bob Graves is in the running to win $10,000 for the organization.
Graves is one of five local do-gooders chosen by insurance provider Today’s Options, which specializes in Medicare Advantage plans, who will compete for the money for the charity with which they are associated.
The Today’s Options Champions Competition was created to honor individuals who help seniors in the Central New York community to live happier, healthier lives. The winner will be chosen by popular vote; community members can vote at Today’s Options website (todaysoptionschampions.com) through Aug. 27.
You can vote once per day per electronic device (once on your computer, once on your phone, once on your tablet, etc.). The winner will be announced at the New York State Fair’s Chevy Court on Sept. 1 before the Oak Ridge Boys’ 2 p.m. concert.
Graves and the other four honorees were honored at the Syracuse Chiefs game Thursday, July 30. The five, among more than 35 nominees put forth by community members, were chosen by Today’s Options’ judges as finalists.
All five had friends and family in the stands at the game to watch them receive a plaque and throw out a ceremonial pitch, as well as to watch videos prepared by each finalist to introduce themselves to the voters.
Graves, who was nominated by NAMOW Executive Director Donna Barrett, said he was “honored and humbled” to even be a finalist.
“It’s not about Bob, it’s about Meals on Wheels,” he said, “especially the opportunity to make some financial enhancements [for the program if he wins].”
“It’s exciting,” he said of the contest. “It’s fun; it’s a great opportunity” to promote volunteerism for NAMOW specifically and volunteerism in general.
NAMOW has about 250 volunteers; they served over 100,000 meals last year. They have 22 routes and 22 drivers per day. “That’s where there’s volunteer opportunities galore,” he said.
Graves has been volunteering with NAMOW since 2009, where he both cooks and delivers meals. He delivers meals and cooks meals. He was on the board for three years, took a year off, then came back as president of the board. He is now in his second year as president.
In order to drum up support for himself and for NAMOW, Graves has printed up business card-size reminders he is handing out to people to remind them to vote for him (and his charity) once a day. The card gives the website address on where to vote.
Other nominees are Jen Coman of Syracuse, director of Sarah’s Guest house; Mike Gasapo of Syracuse, director of operations at Honor Flight Syracuse; Hume Laidman of Cazenovia, who helped found Community Resources for Independent Seniors; and Lennie Tucker of Syracuse, a volunteer at Rescue Mission’s Crossroads Adult Home. To read their full stories or to vote, visit TodaysOptionsChampions.com. Voting is open through Aug. 27.
