Tenth Annual Every Senior Counts luncheon raises funds and awareness for local seniors in need
November 3, 2016
Nearly 300 friends and supporters of Senior Resources “stepped up to the plate” at Spirit Communications Park for the 10th Annual Every Senior Counts fundraiser luncheon. With the Columbia Fireflies stadium as the backdrop, and the excitement of the 2016 World Series still fresh, attendees were asked to help Senior Resources “strike out senior hunger” and help keep seniors “safe at home.”
“The hungry seniors in Richland County alone could fill every seat in the stadium twice over,” said Senior Resources Executive Director Pam Dukes. “We are grateful that those who joined us for Every Senior Counts responded with compassion and generosity to our elderly neighbors.”
A video showcased the programs of Senior Resources, and several speakers offered testimonials about how the agency has made a difference in their lives. Ted Contos, owner of Uncle Maddio’s pizza, spoke about the importance of the daily visit from a Meals on Wheels volunteer when his mother had fallen and couldn’t move. Pearl Hampton spoke of her experiences as a Foster Grandparent, mentoring and tutoring local students. And Mike Sullivan talked about the rewards of being a Meals on Wheels volunteer. The Bishop Avenue Songbirds, a singing group from one of our Wellness Centers, entertained the crowd with renditions of “The Lord is my Light” and “Someone Prayed For Me.”
“The funds we raised at Every Senior Counts are essential to our programs,” Dukes said. “But we hope we also raised awareness of the issues seniors face, and our mission to help them overcome the challenges to daily independence.”
The 2016 Every Senior Counts event was made possible event sponsors BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, SCE&G, MiraVista, All South Federal Credit Union, Bank of America, Colonial Life, NBSC, First Choice VIP Care Plus, Retirement Planning Specialist Michael Oana, Connelly-Anne and Jay W. Ragley, The Fuess/Friedenberg Fund, Fisher Films and Denielle Breit.
About Senior Resources, Inc.
Senior Resources is a non-profit organization that coordinates services, provides resources and encourages the personal choices that allow Columbia’s senior citizens to remain independent. All activities, services and programs of the agency are geared toward promoting independent living, with the goal of helping seniors remain in their homes as long as possible through the support of staff and volunteers, and delaying or preventing institutionalization.
Since 1967, Senior Resources has served Columbia’s frail and elderly residents in three areas:
1) In-home services, including Meals on Wheels, home care, respite care, senior companion services, and case management;
2) Community-based services, including congregate meals, wellness centers, transportation, and physical fitness;
3) Volunteer services, including the Senior Companion program, Foster Grandparent program, and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.
With local, state and federal government funding, as well as contributions from United Way, personal donations and fundraising activities, Senior Resources offers a variety of programs so that our clients can select the assistance they need to maintain a healthy and independent lifestyle.
