Society Invites

24th Annual Friendship Center Festival of Hearts

Key sponsors are Louise and David Borgatello, Judy and Vincent Wood, and Penny and Wayne Covert (photo by someone who has suffered from the indignities of dementia. Speaking on behalf of our committee, producing the Festival of Hearts is a labor of love.”

by Joanne A Calitri

Feb. 4 saw the 24th annual Festival of Hearts Friendship Center fundraiser at the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort Montecito. The theme this year was Kentucky Derby Style, with guests dressing in colorful hats and retro-outfits.

It was a fun (and fashionable) time for event co-chairs Kathy Marden and Sue Adams: “We have a particular fondness for this event, because it benefits our communities’ seniors who experience difficulties that dementia presents to this population. Through the programs offered at the Friendship Center, our members are social and happy while their families and caregivers enjoy peace of mind that their loved one is safe and engaged.

“It is a great cause and one that has special meaning, because many of us know

Event committee members Marcella Simmons , Karolyn Hanna , Jeffrey Krutzsch, Greta Liedke, Monica VidgerTrent, Steven Sharpe, Maggie Mixsell, Executive Director Heidi Holly , and Associate Director Amy West, all worked diligently throughout the event to ensure everyone was greeted and toured the “Heart-art” silent auction with works by more than 40 artists. The Strada Swing Band played French gypsy jazz during the cocktail hour. After lunch in the ballroom, emcee Geoff Green led the live auction and raised just under $15K. The total fundraising goal was set at $60K by Development Director Sophia Davis to continue to support the organization’s program HEART, an acronym for Helping Elders at Risk Today.

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