Karen Diegle, Trudie Rainone and Jenna Suleman PHOTO BY JOSHUA KODIS

Wearing their best Western wear, guests moseyed up to the Oak Harbor Club for another fun-filled, Solid Gold Country-themed Bingo Luncheon to benefit the Senior Resource Association of Indian River County.

In between posing for pics and sipping champagne and a special western cocktail, the crowd perused an extensive selection of auction items, and purchased raffle tickets for a beautiful pair of gold and diamond earrings donated by Victoria Ashley Fine Jewelry, before making their way into the dining room.

“We’re going to celebrate Senior Resource Association’s 50 years of service to this community,” said Karen Deigl, SRA CEO, in welcome.

“Fifty years. And you are a part of them. We couldn’t do it without you,” she added, particularly thanking past and present board members, sponsors, donors, Meals on Wheels volunteers and the event committee, co-chaired by Eileen O’Donnell and Jen Courtney.

“Thank you all for your continuing commitment to this wonderful organization. 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. Together we make a difference in our community.”

Deigl introduced Jeff Petersen, who returned for a third time to host the intensely competitive bingo game, and Anna Valencia Tillery, who had ladies searching their bags for a variety of unlikely items in the ever-popular Purse Game.

Emphasizing that while lots of fun, the event was an afternoon of “bingo with a purpose,” videos showcased some of the many individuals the SRA has been able to assist over the years thanks to their generosity.

Among them, a man already living on a tight budget whose rent was tripled, leaving him little money to buy food.

“Meals on Wheels was magical; they came to the rescue. They brought food that day,” he said. “You know, it’s like a family. I look forward to seeing them every day.”

Another man spoke of the significant impact the Day Away program has had on the health of his wife.

“SRA has done a super, super job of bringing what used to be a happier lady back into this world. The happiness and the smile on her face is something that I’ve missed, and SRA has put it back on her face for me. I’m most appreciative of that.”

Another woman, who has lived since 1932 in the Gifford house in which she was born, said she worked for a family in Riomar from age 22 until 70, sometimes walking there and back.

Now blind, Meals on Wheels volunteers deliver daily meals and ensure she is OK.

“It has been a joy for me. I’m sure it is as much help for other people too, who are in my shape, some worse. So I would say thank you and keep up the good work.”

Proceeds will go toward such SRA programs as Meals on Wheels, DayAway Adult Enrichment & Respite, Public Guardianship, In-Home Services and transportation.

For more information, visit SeniorResourceAssociation.org.

Photos by Joshua Kodis