10 Million Meals and Counting

In December, we marked a historic milestone: the preparation and delivery of our 10-millionth meal!

It was a celebration for our entire community that helped us achieve this moment, something that was inconceivable back in 1991 when a group of friends came together with a pan of lasagna to nourish 12 neighbors with HIV/AIDS living in isolation and lacking the food they needed to keep up their strength.

“I’m overwhelmed to see Project Angel Heart now, the incredible operation it has become, and especially this moment with the 10-millionth meal,” said Charles Robbins, who, in 1991 modeled Project Angel Heart after Project Angel Food where he had volunteered in California.

The 10-millionth meal celebrations brought together longtime friends, including many who were part of the very first meal delivery, along with supporters new to the organization.

The celebrations kicked off with a proclamation by Denver City Council honoring the milestone meal and Project Angel Heart’s longtime work in Denver. Led by Councilmember Darrell Watson, the council shared personal experiences and thoughts about our organization’s impact, then unanimously voted for the proclamation to pass and be forever recorded in the city’s record.

Later in the week, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston came to our office and kitchen. Mayor Johnston worked alongside volunteers to dish-up the historic meal, then handed it off to Robbins to deliver to client Diane, who receives the meals to manage her health along with her medical treatment.

We took another meal from this batch to Colorado Springs where 12-year-old Colorado Springs resident and American Ninja Warrior Junior champion “Lightning Liz” Polsgrove delivered to client Jamie. Lightning Liz’s participation helped highlight the numerous kids and families who get involved to make a positive impact in the lives of their neighbors in need.

We capped off the celebrations with a special gathering at Denver’s St. Barnabas Episcopal Parish, which donated its kitchen 32 years ago to prepare Project Angel Heart’s first meals, before the organization had its own commercial kitchen.

The celebrations brought out all our emotions. We were touched, joyful, reflective, triumphant. Above all, though, we were grateful.

“Our clients are facing the greatest medical challenges of their lives. The 10-millionth meal is a shining example of how Coloradans take care of each other,” said Project Angel Heart President and CEO Owen Ryan.