The Fill the Plate Breakfast to benefit the SeniorsPlus Meals on Wheels nutrition program will be held on Friday, May 15, from 7 to 9 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn Riverwatch in Auburn. The breakfast will honor Stan Wheeler and Old South Church of Farmington with the 2026 Ikaria Award and feature a talk by Katie Zarrilli.
Tickets are $35 per person ($40 at the door if available). Call 207-795-4010 or visit seniorsplus.org/fill-the-plate-tickets/ to purchase tickets or donate to Meals on Wheels. Seats are limited and advance registration is recommended.
For sponsorship information, please contact Kate Madore at kmadore@seniorsplus.org or 207-440-2358.
This year, we are honored to welcome Katie Zarrilli, a Maine storyteller known for capturing the voices, experiences, and spirit of communities across the state. Through her storytelling across multiple media platforms, Katie highlights the power of connection, empathy, and shared humanity.
At the Fill the Plate Breakfast, Katie will share reflections that celebrate the stories of neighbors helping neighbors and the everyday moments that build stronger communities. Her work beautifully echoes the mission of Meals on Wheels, reminding us that a simple meal delivery can also carry compassion, dignity, and meaningful human connection to those who need it most.
The event includes the presentation of the 2026 Ikaria Award, which recognizes an individual or organization for singular and outstanding contributions toward improving the lives of older adults. The 2026 honoree is Stan Wheeler and Old South Church of Farmington. The leadership of Stan and his team have provided top-tier meals at no cost to their community
for over 20 years, making a hub of connection and joy for older adults in Franklin County. Their compassion and commitment to serving older Mainers exemplify the spirit of this recognition.
Ikaria is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea. It is considered one of the world’s five “Blue Zones”—places where an estimated one in three members of the population regularly lives an active life into their 90s.
The Fill the Plate Breakfast is presented in conjunction with Meals on Wheels America.
Last year, SeniorsPlus delivered more than 151,000 meals to 1,800 homebound older adults and adults with disabilities in Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties through its Meals on Wheels program. Each meal provides one-third of the recommended daily allowance of nutrition, a safety check, and a visit to these vulnerable adults.