A $1 million gift from Des Moines philanthropists Bob and LaRue Maddox to WesleyLife Foundation has established the organization’s first-ever Meals on Wheels Endowed Fund, creating a permanent support source for a program that delivered nearly 417,000 meals and life-saving well-being checks last year to older adults and military veterans in central Iowa.
WesleyLife vice president of philanthropy Sophia S. Ahmad, left, announced the gift today, adding that income generated by the endowed fund will strengthen WesleyLife Meals on Wheels’ sustainability in providing nutritious meals, regular well-being checks, and meaningful human connection to older adults throughout Greater Des Moines.
“This endowed fund reflects Bob and LaRue’s vision as much as their generosity,” Ahmad said. “Bob was a thought partner from the beginning as we considered what a permanent source of support could mean for Meals on Wheels. The Maddoxes’ $1 million gift creates a lasting foundation for the program and ensures its impact will endure long into the future.”
The Maddoxes also have included WesleyLife in their estate plans, extending their commitment to WesleyLife’s mission even further, Ahmad added.
Bob, a retired construction owner and executive, said the decision to give came naturally thanks to his parents, who modeled a philanthropic spirit. “They always taught us to leave things better than how we found them,” he said.
That philosophy has guided Bob’s volunteer service as well as his commitment to transformational philanthropy. As a WesleyLife Meals on Wheels volunteer, Bob has spent countless hours delivering meals across the Des Moines metro and getting to know the people he serves.
“Meals on Wheels opened my eyes to parts of Des Moines I didn’t know existed,” he said. “Our clients are pleasant and grateful. The most fun for me is getting to talk to them. I really enjoy it.” Chances are the clients do as well, as Bob has been known to break into song during a delivery, bringing an extra measure of joy to his route.
Bob said his Meals on Wheels volunteerism has reinforced his understanding that Meals on Wheels provides more than food. For recipients, a driver or volunteer’s knock on the door offers companionship, reassurance, and an important connection to the outside world.
“The main magnet for me was the opportunity to meet people and help people,” Bob said. “People should not have to go hungry. Meals on Wheels makes sure they don’t, and I have a chance to be a part of that.”
Through his volunteer service, Bob saw firsthand an opportunity to strengthen Meals on Wheels through an endowed source of funding. His and LaRue’s generosity reflects the values that have shaped their lives: a desire to serve, and a commitment to better their community, Ahmad said.
“Bob and LaRue believed in what was possible, and their leadership will benefit our community for generations,” Ahmad said. “Their extraordinary act of generosity will help ensure older adults continue to receive nourishment, connection, and care for years to come. We are deeply grateful.”
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