Last Saturday night, the Dyer Chevrolet showroom was transformed into a rocking and rolling high school gym straight out of the 1950s. Nearly 150 people, dressed in ‘50s fashion, showed up to support the Senior Resource Association at its first annual 1950s Gala.
The evening featured a vintage car show, a silent auction, games, dance and costume contests and fun ‘50s food prepared by Culinary Capers.
“I am thrilled. This event brought a lot of new friends to the Senior Resource Association,” said its president and CEO, Karen Deigl, who was unrecognizable but stunning in a black bouffant wig and sparkly eye glasses.
“We are thrilled to have so many young people, especially at this time of year,” she added. “I am definitely looking forward to the next one.”
The end of September is a risky time of year to hold an event, what with the heat, hurricane threats and the fact that generous snowbirds have yet to return. But the risk paid off, as locals donned dancing shoes and got into the spirit of simpler times.
Barrier Island resident Brenda Lloyd was dressed as a pink lady from the movie Grease. Her husband, Robin, looked as though he was channeling James Dean in his leather jacket and dungarees.
Local property manager Richard Lanahan pulled out his beret and black turtleneck sweater, along with a beatnik cool attitude.
“Most of these people aren’t old enough to remember the ‘50s,” laughed Lanahan. “I am, but I was only a child at the time.”
His wife and co-chairman of the evening, Beth Lanahan, was decked out in an apron and pearls, bringing to mind those favorite moms of the ‘50s, June Cleaver and Donna Reed.
Committee member Randy MacMillan and his wife Candace were dressed as Ricky and Lucy Ricardo, flaming red wig for her and maracas for him. They were completely authentic, except for Randy’s blue eyes, as he pointed out.
Local physical therapist Linda Heigl won the hula hoop contest, managing to twirl two hula hoops, to beat the rest of the field.
Hilarity ensued as people played carnival games, danced to the tunes of Jerry and the Dolls, noshed on hot dogs, sliders, popcorn and sno-cones, washing it all down with adult milkshakes.
Proceeds from the evening will support the Senior Resource Association’s various programs, including Meals on Wheels, Emergency Meals on Wheels, Adult Day Care and Case Management.
