Guests got into the groove at a tuneful Boogie Wonderland-themed Bingo Luncheon at the Vero Beach Country Club to benefit the Senior Resource Association.
To set the tone, guests were greeted outside by a disco-dancing roller skater while a Diana Ross impersonator entertained indoors. Fully embracing the theme, folks outdid themselves wearing flared pants, sequins and platform shoes – everything was groovy.
Before sitting down to lunch, people vied for various silent-auction items, and purchased raffle tickets for a lovely necklace donated by John Michael Matthews Fine Jewelry.
“This music takes me back. It’s so fun, jamming to great sounds of disco,” said Karen Deigl, SRA president/CEO, who was dubbed the afternoon’s ‘Dancing Queen.’
“It’s wonderful to see this overflowing room with so many people that have been with us for so many years. Thank you for being with us again. I’m again humbled by the outpouring of support for our seniors,” said Deigl, thanking everyone present for their support.
“Everyone in this room today plays a vital role in our ability to serve the seniors in our community who so desperately need our help. The SRA is committed to improving quality of life for seniors and their families in Indian River County by creating meaningful social connections for seniors, actively providing hands-on support for their everyday needs, engaging the community, advocating for seniors and empowering older adults through independence.”
Among the many SRA programs and services are Meals on Wheels, GoLine public transportation, Day Away, Public Guardianship, In-Home services, emergency alert services, energy bill assistance, community coach transportation, and durable medical equipment.
“None of this would be possible without your help. Hundreds of devoted volunteers give their time, talent and compassion to Senior Resource Association,” said Deigl.
The dynamic husband-and-wife team of Jeffrey Petersen and Maria Segura emceed the games, with Maria challenging guests to locate disco-themed items in their handbags during the Purse game and Jeffrey calling out the bingo game as Maria pulled the balls.
Instead of dancing the night away, guests dabbed furiously at their cards, first during traditional bingo, and later with music bingo, when songs such as “Boogie Fever,” “Last Dance” and “Funky Town” took everyone back to the era of disco balls glittering in classy urban nightlife places, such as Studio 54.
After the last B-I-N-G-O! was called out, Liz Bruner, vice president of philanthropy, stressed that the volunteers making meal deliveries are often the seniors’ only point of contact.
“Meals on Wheels shines a light into some very lonely lives. We take for granted being able to shop for our own food, make our own beds or stay home alone. A lot of these things our older neighbors no longer have the ability to do. When they count on SRA, they’re really counting on you,” said Bruner.
For more information, visit SeniorResourceAssociation.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
