Meals On Wheels Atlanta (MOWA), a leading nonprofit addressing senior hunger and isolation, will bring together celebrated chefs, community leaders and supporters for the 38th annual A Meal to Remember on Friday, Nov. 6, at The St. Regis Atlanta. This year’s theme, Hope in Full Bloom, celebrates what is possible when a community comes together with purpose, pairing an extraordinary culinary experience with an evening dedicated to supporting Atlanta’s older adults.

Guests will experience a one-of-a-kind culinary journey while supporting MOWA’s work to help seniors thrive through nourishment, independence and meaningful human connection. Like a garden nurtured with care, that impact grows with every meal delivered, every volunteer who serves and every donor who gives.

“Hope in Full Bloom beautifully reflects what we see every day at Meals On Wheels Atlanta. A meal can be the beginning of something much bigger, from greater independence to a meaningful connection with someone who cares,” says Charlene Crusoe-Ingram, CEO of Meals On Wheels Atlanta. “A Meal to Remember gives Atlanta the opportunity to come together around our seniors while helping ensure they have the nourishment and support they need to continue thriving at home.” 

The 2026 gala is co-chaired by Susan Been, D’Anne Cagle-Heckert and Caroline Jeffords, with Eva Marcille, Raina Massand and Chase Mizell serving in as legacy co-chairs. Together, they will help lead an evening that builds on the longstanding tradition and impact of one of MOWA’s signature fundraising events.

Guests will enjoy a culinary experience created by an acclaimed lineup of chefs, including:

• Chris Hall, Unsukay Restaurants
• Robert Gerstenecker and Christopher Kelly, Meals On Wheels Atlanta
• Linton Hopkins, Hopkins & Company
• Jessica McKinney, Canoe

The evening will also feature a live performance by MaKenzie Thomas, a Season 15 semifinalist on NBC’s “The Voice” who has built a substantial following through her powerhouse vocals and widely shared performance videos. Thomas has more than 3 million followers on Instagram and TikTok, and her online covers have drawn millions of views across social media, helping introduce her voice to audiences well beyond the show. For A Meal to Remember, she will perform with a live band before joining the Spelman College Glee Club for a special collaborative performance created for the evening.

In addition to exceptional cuisine, wine and auction experiences, MOWA will recognize Dwayne and Valerie Williams as its 2026 Volunteers of the Year, honoring their dedication to the organization and the seniors it serves. 

The evening follows a record-breaking 2025 A Meal to Remember, which raised $1.3 million, the most in the gala’s history. More than 300 guests attended last year’s event in support of MOWA’s mission and Atlanta seniors facing food insecurity and social isolation.

Tickets, tables and sponsorship opportunities are now available. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit A Meal to Remember online.