Get a Chill SummerSweltering Seniors

by Farrah Hale

After the finAl sprig of lingering winter frost le Aves the Air, the summer heat is already sneaking in to make its debut. The sweltering Florida heat may bring in tourists from around the world, but those high temperatures pose a threat to our vulnerable communities. For the past 20 years, Council on Aging of West Florida has partnered with all five area Lowe’s stores to collect air conditioners, fans, and monetary donations to protect at-risk seniors in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.

The event has become a well-known staple in our community, yet each year we are pleasantly surprised to see the amount of love and support that pours in from area businesses and individuals. This year, the Pete Moore Automotive Team Senior Chill Out was held Friday, June 2, 2023, from 6 am to 6 pm. The event was publicized throughout the day by Sue Straughn and WEAR Channel 3 along with Cat Country 98.7 and AM1620 NewsRadio, which brought people out in droves to take part in the daylong donation drive.

After last year’s record-breaking year, we were unsure if we would come close to the number of donations received in 2022. However, agency staff and volunteers collected more than $70,000 in monetary donations, along with 329 AC units, and 512 fans. Of course, credit is due to our generous donors Pete Moore Automotive Team, Ascend Building Materials, Florida Power and Light, Central Credit Union, Boutwell Heating and Air, Gilmore, Ross and Company Real Estate Partners, County Commissioner Lumon May, William Trushel, Engineered Cooling Services and so many more. Although these donations are the catalyst to a successful Senior Chill Out, the smaller monetary and tangible donations of air conditioners and fans is the fuel that keeps it and our vulnerable seniors alive.

Throngs of volunteers and donors flock to Lowe’s each year to participate in Senior Chill Out. This event easily restores humanity in a world full of turmoil. As sweat drips off our foreheads, and our hair sticks to the back of our necks, we begin to understand how necessary air conditioning is in the South. It is comforting to know that at least for a moment, our seniors are on everyone’s mind. I know I will sleep soundly knowing that we will keep approximately 800 seniors cool this year.

Council on Aging gives thanks to the community for supporting this event. Senior Chill Out keeps our seniors safe and comfortable during the coming months of Florida summer heat.

Get Involved!

Council on Aging is still accepting donations for weatherization efforts to keep seniors safe and cool throughout the hotter months. Visit seniorchillout.org to make an online donation or drop off donations of new box fans or window AC units at our office at 875 Royce St.