Sporting attire from big game hunters to jungle animals, guests took a walk on the wild side at the Grand Safari-themed 21st annual Bingo Luncheon to benefit the Senior Resource Association of Indian River County.
“Your enthusiasm year after year is truly inspiring and we simply couldn’t do this without you,” said Karen Deigl, SRA CEO, in her welcome.
After recognizing SRA board members and foundation trustees, committee members and volunteers, she particularly thanked the two presenting sponsors, Eileen O’Donnell, who also chaired the event, and Trudie Rainone.
“Thank you for your time, your talent, and for helping us stay connected to the seniors who really rely on SRA every single day. Everyone in this room plays a vital role in our ability to serve older adults in our community,” said Deigl.
“Our motto is promoting independence in our community for our seniors and those who are in need. And it’s not just a motto. It is what this amazing organization does every day, each hour of the day,” said Lisa Thompson Barnes, SRA board chair, during lunch.
As an attorney, Barnes said she has an area of practice in guardianship law, which often includes being appointed by the court to an individual when there is a need.
She recounted when a local judge contacted her with concerns about a woman named Ann who was undergoing a foreclosure action, but who might have cognitive issues.
After unsuccessfully trying to make contact at Ann’s home, Barnes discovered that she participated in the SRA Meals on Wheels program. Although Barnes was told that Ann would only open the door for the MOW staff member, they eventually convinced Ann to let Barnes speak with her.
“It was clear, though, that Ann had cognitive issues. But if you think about this, the Meals on Wheels staff member was the only human contact that Ann had for a good year. Her husband had died just the prior year,” said Barnes.
Additionally, the home was in bad condition and the air conditioning wasn’t working. After communicating with the judge, the foreclosure was stayed to provide time to determine the next steps.
The court appointed Ann to the SRA Public Guardian Program where care managers helped get her into a clean, safe environment, get medical attention for the first time in many months, and live out the rest of her years with dignity.
“And that’s what Senior Resource Association is about, each day and every day. Saving lives, making an impact for those who cannot help themselves, and for all of the many other seniors in our community who need some type of help,” said Barnes.
“I’ve got to tell you, there are so many of those stories. And I know a number of you here who are volunteers also are aware of stories just like that,” said Deigl.
And then it was time for play. Anna Valencia-Tillery kicked things off with a safari-themed purse game, asking whether anyone had thought to bring along binoculars, bug repellent, a needle and thread, a Swiss Army knife and a little bottle of booze. The answer to all, of course, was yes, with prizes given to the first person who held them aloft.
Next, everyone held their daubers at the ready, as the indomitable Jeff Petersen, looking dapper in his safari outfit, answered the call of the wild as an expedition bingo caller with his usual humor and skill.
Proceeds from the event benefit SRA’s many programs, such as Meals on Wheels, DayAway, Public Guardianship, In-Home Services, Community Coach and Community Resources.
For more information, visit SeniorResourceAssociation.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
