An Evening for Better Tomorrows

Dare to Dream

Dr. Jaclynn Faffer, President/ CEO

It was a starlit night as Naples Senior Center celebrated its 10th annual signature fundraising event, An Evening for Better Tomorrows, on Jan. 8, 2022. This year’s theme was “Dare to Dream.” The event was totally outdoors at an exclusive country club in Naples and proof of vaccination was required. While attendance was 150 instead of the usual 300, NSC raised more than $600,000 to support its programs and services.

The focus of the agency video, and the call for support that followed, was on the programs that will take place within the walls of the new Naples Senior Center. The video highlighted the geriatric case management program, which actually preceded the opening of the senior center, as well as the first Evening for Better Tomorrows, attended by 85 guests at Naples Botanical Gardens. It was at that event 10 years ago, that Ed Anchel, of blessed memory, suggested that a monthly luncheon for 30 be expanded to a weekly luncheon for many more and the idea of the senior center was born.

Other programs highlighted included dementia respite, senior center dance party and a testimonial from a member who just celebrated her 100th birthday. You can see the video on the agency’s website at www.naplesseniorcenter.org.

Grace Chen, tai chi teacher extraordinaire, won the Volunteer of the Year award, generously sponsored by Ray Harman. Music was provided by Shadows of the 60s and, as usual, the crowd danced the night away! Thank you to all who made this event an extraordinary success!

Construction on the new Naples Senior Center is well underway, and on schedule. If you would like to tour the site, please let me know. I like nothing more than putting on my hard hat and work boots and showing the property.

Programs continue to thrive at NSC, and all staff, volunteers, clients and members abide by the strict COVID protocols in place. We all look forward to putting this pandemic behind us. In the meantime, stay safe and stay healthy.