Holiday Meals 2025
Rotary Delivers Holiday Cheer — One Meal, One Family at a
Time
For many families in the greater Chagrin Valley, the holidays shine a little brighter thanks to the Chagrin Valley Rotary Club and its devoted network of community partners. Each year at both Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Club works alongside Geauga County Job & Family Services, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), Doors of Hope, and the Geauga Youth Center to deliver more than 150 ready-to-eat Holiday meals to local families in need.
At the heart of the project is a passionate Rotarian ,Tom Rooney, Home Delivered Meals Chairman, whose enthusiasm and dedication ensure no family is forgotten during the season of giving. Rooney leads a committed team of roughly 25 Rotary volunteers, affectionately known as the “Rooney Runners,” who bundle up, warm up their cars, and fan out across neighborhoods to deliver holiday cheer one doorstep at a time.
“It’s about more than food,” Rooney shared. “It’s about dignity, kindness, and letting families know their community cares. A warm meal shared with loved ones — that’s the spirit of the holidays.”
The meals are purchased at charity rates from Mazzulo’s Fresh Market, an award-winning Chamber of Commerce local business owned and operated by Brad and Brook Rosselot. For years, Mazzulo’s has partnered with the Rotary Club to assemble full-course holiday dinners — complete with all the trimmings — helping ensure every family can enjoy a festive meal regardless of circumstance.
“Community partnerships like this are what make our Valley special,” said Rotary President, Carrie Heppner: “Brad and Brook go above and beyond to support this effort, and our volunteers take great joy in being part of something meaningful.”
Recipients of the program are identified by the collaborating social service organizations, each working directly with families facing temporary hardship, financial strain, or critical personal challenges. These trusted agencies ensure meals reach households where they can make the greatest positive impact.
Founded in 1941, the Chagrin Valley Rotary Club is part of Rotary International, a global service organization dedicated to advancing peace, goodwill, and community improvement. The Club’s motto, “Service Above Self,” is vividly reflected in every meal delivered and every smile created.
As the need in the community continues, so does Rotary’s commitment. The Club welcomes new members, donors, and partners eager to serve and enhance the wellbeing of neighbors across the region.
“There is tremendous pride in knowing we can extend a hand — not just during the holidays, but all year long,” Rooney said. “The Chagrin Valley is a place where people look out for one another. That’s what makes this home.”