News

VNA Meals on Wheels Kids Camp Offers Meaningful, Hands-On Service and Philanthropy Experiences

Robin Plotkin — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:25:03 Z

Visiting Nurse Association's Meals on Wheels Kids Camp June 8-12, 2026

This summer, the 3rd Annual VNA Meals on Wheels Kids Camp (June 812) is giving children ages 811 a hands-on opportunity to step into the role of volunteerslearning about senior hunger, nutrition, and connection, while helping deliver meals to homebound seniors in the Oak Cliff area.

What makes this unique is the direct interaction: kids arent just learning in a classroomtheyre actively participating in meal delivery routes and seeing firsthand the impact of service in their own community. Campers also take part in hands-on activities that foster empathy and understanding, a fruit and vegetable tasting, and structured physical activity.

Through engaging activities, campers will learn about:

The reality of senior hunger in our community
The importance of good nutrition
Ways to combat social isolation
The value of volunteerism

New this year, were offering flexible scheduling options to better fit families needs:

5-day option
3-day option
2-day option

Spots are limited, so early registration is encouraged.

https://www.vnatexas.org/kids-camp

For more information: Ryan Jackson ryan.jackson@vnatexas.org

Chef Rick Martinez to Headline Visiting Nurse Associations Celebrity Chef Event This April

Robin Plotkin — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 14:21:43 Z

Were turning up the heat for 2026! Our Celebrity Chef is none other than Chef Rick MartinezJames Beard Award winner, cookbook author, and charismatic host. Rick is flying in from Mexico to share the vibrant flavors and stories of Mexican cuisine, infused with his Texas roots.

Join us at the VNA Haggerty Kitchen for an unforgettable culinary experience:

Comida at the Kitchen (Lunch): Festive food stations, specialty cocktails, and options for tables or individual tickets. (tickets/tables starting at $500)
Fiesta at the Kitchen (Dinner): Everything you love from lunch PLUS a VIP Mezcal & Mole tasting reception for table sponsorsright inside the kitchen! (tickets/tables starting at $750)

Were proud to honor the incredible leaders making this event possible:

Co-Chairs: Katie & Glen Edwards and Sarah & Luke Pak
Honorary Chairs: Meaders & Robert Ozarow

Stay tuned for more information about raffle prizes and auction items!

www.vnatexas.org/celebritychef

VNA's Power of Pie is Back! Desserts with an IMPACT!

Robin Plotkin — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 16:01:42 Z

Power of Pie is back, and its your chance to do good while serving something seriously delicious. Now through November 20th, order handmade pumpkin and pecan pies ($25) or pumpkin bread ($15) at www.powerofpie.org.

Pickup is simple, with 11 locations across DFW including Dallas, McKinney, Denton, Arlington, and Fort Worth.

Pickup dates: November 25th & 26th just in time for your Thanksgiving gathering.

Thanks to our generous sponsors, Interabang Books, b1Bank, St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, MaryBeths Boutique, Canary, Central Market, CTI Foods, and Ventura Foods, 100% of proceeds go to supporting VNAs critical work.

This year dont just bring dessert. Bring impact.

Order Today!

Want to volunteer for this tasty event? Contact Robin Plotkin at plotkinr@vnatexas.org for more information!

Visiting Nurse Association Meals on Wheels Kids Camp 2025 Registration Opens

Robin Plotkin — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 19:00:00 Z

Are you looking for a meaningful experience for your 8-11 year-old this summer? The Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) has a great opportunity! Our camp was created to empower the next generation of volunteers and philanthropists by teaching campers:

The reality of senior hunger in our community
The importance of good nutrition
How to combat social isolation
The gift of volunteerism

Who can attend? The Meals on Wheels Kids Camp is for children 8-11 years old. Each camp is limited to 20 campers.

When are the camps? Each camp is one day and will be hosted on the following days:

Tuesday, June 11 from 9:30 am-2:30 pm
Tuesday, June 18 from 9:30 am-2:30 pm
Tuesday, June 25 from 9:30 am-2:30 pm
Tuesday, July 9 from 9:30 am-2:30 pm

For more information: www.vnatexas.org/kids-camp

Order Your Thanksgiving Treats Through Power of Pie Now through 11/21 and Support VNA of Texas!

Robin Plotkin — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 12:36:54 Z

You can check bake dessert off your Thanksgiving to-do list! Let the Visiting Nurse Association do the baking with Power of Pie. Pumpkin and pecan pies are available for purchase for $25 each, and pumpkin bread for $15 per loaf at www.powerofpie.org. These delicious fall treats are donated by some of North Texas top bakers, including Knife, Central Market, Empire Baking, Ventura Foods, Uncle Willies Pies, Sugar and Sage, Brook Hollow Golf Club, Northwood Club, Top Golf, CTI Foods, and more! These treats are perfect for your Thanksgiving dinner.

Pies and bread also make thoughtful gifts for clients, employees, friends, family, and teachers. Your purchases and donations help deliver food and friendship to homebound senior neighbors and provide compassionate care to seriously ill patients.

We are excited to announce nine pick-up locations this year, including McKinney, Denton, Fort Worth, and various Dallas locations. Pick-up will be on Nov. 26 and 27, just in time for your Thanksgiving feast.

A special thank you to our presenting sponsor, Interabang Books, and sponsors Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, The Jerry R. Junkins Family Foundation, Eiseman Jewels, Texas Instruments, Canary, and MaryBeth Boutique.

Visiting Nurse Association Meals on Wheels Launches Kids Camp for 8-11 year olds

Robin Plotkin — Fri, 03 May 2024 16:46:08 Z

The reality of senior hunger in our community
The importance of good nutrition
How to combat social isolation
The gift of volunteerism

Who can attend? The Meals on Wheels Kids Camp is for children 8-11 years old. Each camp is limited to 20 campers.

When are the camps? Each camp is one day and will be hosted on the following days:

Tuesday, June 11 from 9:30 am-2:30 pm
Tuesday, June 18 from 9:30 am-2:30 pm
Tuesday, June 25 from 9:30 am-2:30 pm
Tuesday, July 9 from 9:30 am-2:30 pm

For more information: www.vnatexas.org/kids-camp

Legendary Pit Master Aaron Franklin Headlines Visiting Nurse Association's Celebrity Chef Event

Robin Plotkin — Sun, 28 Jan 2024 19:00:00 Z

Join celebrated Pit Master and Owner of Franklin Barbecue, Aaron Franklin as he headlines VNAs 14th Annual Celebrity Chef event on April 4, 2024, benefiting VNA Meals on Wheels and Adult and Pediatric Hospice Care programs and Meals on Wheels.

Eats: Aarons menu featuring all of Franklin BBQs signature items and recipes from his newest book, Franklin Barbecue: A Meat-Smoking Manifesto

Drinks: Chef-crafted cocktails and premium brews from Lakewood Brewing Company

Seats at Lunch OR Dinner: Choose from table sponsorships, individual tickets for indoor seating, or individual tickets for outdoor picnic-style seating.

Learn: Masterclass demonstration from Aaron grilling his from-scratch sausage and an intimate Q and A about all things BBQ.

Dress: BBQ Chic

Sign Me Up!: Table sponsorships and a limited number of single tickets for both seatings are now available! For more information and to purchase tickets or tables, please visit www.vnatexas.org/celebritychef

Honorary Chairs: The Moody Foundation

Event Chairs: Shandalynn and Kelby Hagar