Supporters of the Senior Resource Association channeled their inner Alice as they followed the White Rabbit into a garden, past Indian River Charter High School ‘flowers,’ to the 20th annual Bingo Luncheon at the Oak Harbor Club.

Among the many guests sporting costumes, were presenting sponsors Eileen O’Donnell of Coastal Concierge Services and Trudie Rainone going all out as the Cheshire Cat and Queen of Hearts, respectively.

“What an amazing turnout. Once again, your outpouring of support for our local seniors is really inspiring. We couldn’t do this without you. I want to say thank you, and I want to thank Senior Resource Association board members with us today as we mark our 20th year Bingo tradition,” said Karen Deigl, SRA CEO.

“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. Quite simply, Bingo would not be possible without all of the sponsors that we have,” said Deigl, also recognizing volunteers, particularly Meals on Wheels deliverers.

Committee member Anna Valencia Tillery kicked things off with the always popular Purse Game.
“And as Alice once said, ‘It is so much nonsense that nothing would be what it is because everything is what it isn’t. And contrary-wise, what it is, it wouldn’t be. And what it wouldn’t be, it is.’ How riveting would it be to live in a riddle?” said Tillery, before asking ladies to search their purses for items related to Alice’s journey.

During lunch, a video presentation featured two recipients of SRA services.
The wife of a man diagnosed with dementia said the SRA was a lifesaver. Her husband uses the Day Away Senior Center, where he is kept engaged with exercise, games and refreshments.

“This Day Away Senior Center is incredible. I would recommend it to anyone,” she said, adding that knowing he is being well cared for has also helped her mentally and physically.

Another woman, who has had several hip fractures, has been a Meals on Wheels recipient for seven years.

“I’m very much an independent woman and I love to do things myself, but when you can’t do it, it’s very depressing. I worked since I was 15; I went to school and worked. I went into the medical profession because I loved it. Never had help from the government, never had food stamps,” she said. She said having the SRA step in to say “It’s OK, we’ve got you” has been vital for her.

“Those stories; there are so many more,” said O’Donnell, before making a plea for pledge cards. “I know that I’ve been doing this for 16 years and couldn’t think of doing anything else.”

“This is such an amazing organization. And people have heard me over and over again saying every good organization starts from the top, and we have a fabulous leader,” said Rainone.

“The secret, as Alice would say, is to surround yourself with people who make your heart smile. It’s then and only then that you will find Wonderland. And we have all found Wonderland in Vero Beach, but more than that, these people who you just saw have found it in Senior Resource Association,” she added.

Before reaching into the drum to pull the first numbers for the highly anticipated game, Bingo host Jeff Petersen reiterated the need for support, reminding everyone of the ever-growing wait list of people needing assistance.

For more information, visit SeniorResourceAssociation.org.

Photos by Joshua Kodis