PHOTOS: Senior Services of Alexandria Draws Record Crowd to 57th Annual Gala Saturday March 29
Event sells out as over 400 fill grand ballroom of Westin Alexandria for largest crowd in its history.
Alexandria, VA – It is a time of heightened tensions for one of Alexandria’s most vulnerable populations. Senior citizens wonder if there will be cuts to their Social Security and Medicare. One Alexandria organization stands ready to help. Senior Services of Alexandria’s raison d’être is to provide the city’s older population with what it needs. It is there with meals, social programs, transportation, and more.
All year long, the venerable organization is serious business, doggedly meeting the needs of Alexandria’s seniors. But once a year, in March, Senior Services kicks back and throws a giant party to celebrate the city’s seniors and raise funds to maintain critical programs that nourish and sustain its oldest residents. Saturday night March 29 was an evening to remember as Senior Services marked its 57th annual gala at the Westin Alexandria in Carlyle, near the federal courthouse.
The dinner and dancing bash drew some of this town’s most notable leaders. Spotted in the crowd were Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins, Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley, former mayors Justin Wilson and Allison Silberberg, along with Police Chief Tarrick McGuire and Sheriff Sean Casey.
One person missing was the woman at the helm of the organization. Mary Lee Anderson is executive director of Senior Services of Alexandria. A few days before the event, she took a bad fall and broke her foot. The Zebra met with Anderson on Zoom the day after the event.
“A couple of people said, oh, you should have just come by,” Anderson said. “You know, the whole evening is focused on the honorees, the wonderful people that they are, and the work that they are doing. I didn’t want people to be distracted by me sitting in a wheelchair, wondering what I did with my foot.” Anderson praised her staff, who pinch-hit in her absence Saturday night. “From what I heard, it was a great event. I’m really pleased. All the feedback I’ve gotten so far has been really positive.”
Anderson was unable to say just how much the fundraiser took in. Staff are still tallying up proceeds from ticket sales at $175 a pop, sponsorships, silent auction, raffle, and Wine Bingo. The grand total will be announced later this week. Anderson noted that the silent auction netted its highest take ever and that all the wine was snapped up. She added this was the largest gala in its history with over 400 people filling the grand ballroom. To what does Anderson attribute those bulging numbers?
“First of all, it’s an organization that people in Alexandria know about and they know the work that we do to support older adults in the community and how important that is. You know, it’s more important than ever that we have local support, given how unsettling things are in other parts of the government. People are there to support us as an organization.”
As guests mingled in the atrium during the cocktail hour, perusing the silent auction, catching up with old friends over a glass of wine, Zebra went searching for Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins. Zebra asked the mayor about fears that critical services such as Social Security and Medicare could be cut. Gaskins nodded.
“We are hearing from seniors and they are deeply concerned. They are worried about a range of issues from Social Security to Medicare to SNAP benefits to even rental assistance and housing supports,” Gaskins shared. “What happens at the federal level has direct impacts and consequences for everyone. Council is actively reviewing the budget and looking at things like senior tax relief, senior rental assistance, increases in food insecurity, trying to do what we can to bolster the social safety net to support our older adults.” The mayor stressed, “We can’t save those federal programs alone. And so, we’re also working closely with our congressional representatives.”
Zebra caught up with Christine Friedberg, SSA board chair, between dinner and dancing. What would you say are the top three programs that Senior Services offers,” Zebra asked. Tops on Friedberg’s list is Meals on Wheels. She highlighted the second.
“I would say the number 2 program that doesn’t always get talked about is the Transportation Program. So, for those that need help getting to doctor’s appointments and other treatments, we have a partnership with the transportation center where they can get rides either at low cost or no cost.” Friedberg’s Number Three is the Friendly Visitor Program which addresses loneliness and social isolation.
One of the four honorees at the gala was The Zebra’s very own Lucelle O’Flaherty, who landed the Community Spirit Award. “I am humbled and overwhelmed to receive this recognition. I do what makes me happy!” O’Flaherty beamed. She told this Zebra colleague, “Senior Services of Alexandria is the best non-profit and it directly benefits seniors every single day.” O’Flaherty arrived with her iconic pooch, Kay K., who may be almost as well-known as her owner.
The three who received the Community Service Award are Jack Fannon, Jane King, and Colonel Retired Jim Paige.
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