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Hot Wheels Helps Homebound Local Senior s SHORTCUTS GIVING BACK 88 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R / F A L L 2 0 1 5 T wo days a year, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca shifts gears to bring layers of meaning to everyday events. Three pace cars head on over to the Meals on Wheels Sally Griffin Center in Pacific Grove, load up boxes of food, then hand-deliver free meals to some 60-plus seniors in Monterey. The residents love these guys. They turn on the big lights and dazzle the recipients. Not only do they deliver, they take the time to visit. Professional race car driver Robert Orcutt of Santa Cruz tells his story with heartfelt emotion. "It's a lot of fun. The people really appreciate it and they light up when someone from the track delivers food," he says. "If they are mobile, they take photos of the car. If not, the caregiver will. Every stop has its own spe- cial story and appreciativeness, and it's an eye-opener, as it can happen to anyone, reminding us to manage ourselves for the future. It's a great feel- ing to give back to the community." These are the moments of connection with an unpretentious vibe. A great "feel good" story of people coming together and embracing the needs of others in a perpetual collision with everyday life. The boxes consist of one hot and two light meals, which covers one day. To qualify, a person must be a senior over 60, and more or less home- bound. Chris Alexander, Meal Delivery Coordinator for Meals on Wheels of Monterey Peninsula, is concerned that their volunteers are aging and the need for new volunteers is critical. "At least 70 percent or more of our volunteers are seniors themselves and they are aging out. We are losing volunteers and are desperate for younger people to fill those needs. Some volunteers have been with Meals on Wheels for 20-30 years and one lady in the kitchen is 100 years old. She also delivers as her daughter drives. Several people are in their 90s. The volunteer numbers are dwindling as our needs are increasing with an aging population." To volunteer with Meals on Wheels, please contact Chris Alexander at volunteer@mowmp.org, or call 831/375-4454. — Marjorie Snow Twice a year, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Director of Public Relations David Hart, Vice President of Event Operations Ann Bixler and pace car driver Robert Orcutt take food to seniors through Meals on Wheels. The recipients enjoy seeing the pace car. Photo: Courtesy of Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula