These past 11 months have been particularly rough on our senior community, so IOA is even more excited that our biggest fundraiser of the year is right around the corner!For 37 years, our annual fundraising event was called Dinner la Heart, and featured an in-person dining experience.This year, weve taken things up a notch with a brand new name, a brand new look and a cast of characters to tell the heartwarming stories of our seniors and adults with disabilities during the pandemicand all the ways in which Institute on Aging has pivoted in order to serve them.This years virtual event features a star-studded line up from the senior services community, including our own CEO Tom Briody, plus a delicious three-course dinner delivered by Carrie Dove Catering for event-goers to enjoy at home.Hosted by the Bay Areas Foodie Chap, TV and Radio Host Liam Mayclem, the virtual events festivities will be an up-close-and-personal look at the services we provide to keep our seniors happy, engaged, safe and valued members of our community.Here are just some of the evenings highlights:You will hear inspiring stories about our meal delivery program from Michael Lee, one of our valued volunteers.
Meal deliveries have been keeping our shut-in seniors and adults with disabilities stocked with healthy, delicious meals.Many of our seniors were regular visitors to our Geary Street caf and are missing their friends.For some of these seniors, their meal delivery is the highlight of their week and their only opportunity to connect and chat with another person face-to-face.Our Friendship Line founder and mental health expert, Dr.
Patrick Arbore, will discuss all the ways that seniors can keep themselves happy and engaged during these very challenging times.Being an older adult comes with its own set of challenges, but being an older adult during a global pandemic is a whole other matter.The calls to our Friendship Line have skyrocketed during the pandemic, with our workers and volunteers providing a friendly, listening ear to thousands of seniors who are living alone and feeling particularly isolated.One of our dedicated volunteers, Lynn Brinton, will tell you all about our exciting new program, Companioa, that matches caregivers of adults with dementia with a support system like none other in the Bay Area.
With our social day program on hiatus, coupled with all the challenges associated with caring for a senior experiencing dementia, Companioa is IOAs answer to the deep need in our community to help family caregivers navigate all the nuances of dementia care.Other highlights include a performance by Ensemble SF and talks by IOA board members and others on how our organization is making a positive impact on the lives of seniors in the Bay Area every single day.If you were unable to buy a ticket, not to worry, there is still chance to donate and show your love and care for our senior and adults with disabilities
Publisher: IOA Blog ( Read More )
