Members of the community filled the Workforce Development Center at Southside Virginia Community College for the Charlotte County Meals on Wheels Gala Saturday.

The event included a silent auction, door prizes, music and a dinner catered by Badeaux’s Cajun Kitchen.

“We are very thankful to each and every one of you, especially the drivers and the board, and especially our county officials,” said Charlotte County Meals on Wheels Coordinator Ronnie Royster during the event.

The funds Charlotte County Meals on Wheels receives come from donations, fundraisers and grants.

Royster said some people pay for the meals they receive, while some are able to pay the full price, which comes out to be $3.90 per meal.

“This is our biannual (event),” Royster said. “We have the gala every two years and then we have some other main event in between that. It started 10 years ago. I don’t know which one this is, but I haven’t been with them but two years. It’s been very successful; this has been one of our major fundraisers,” he said.

Royster estimated about 140 people in attendance at the gala.

“We serve about 54 clients,” Royster said. “We have seven different rounds that we deliver three days a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

He said they always need volunteers to deliver meals and help with donations.

“The county has been real good to us — the (Charlotte Board of Supervisors) donates to us every year,” Royster said. “We have some businesses and individuals who donate to us on a regular basis, too. It’s an organization that helps a lot of people because (of) the need that’s out there.”

Royster said he didn’t realize the need until he began working with the organization.

“The main criteria (to receive food is the inability) to fix meals for themselves on a regular basis,” he said of the recipients.

Royster said the meals were prepared by Sheldon’s Motel and Restaurant, a partnership which he said will continue under the new ownership.