Senior Center Gala Raises Nearly $18,000

An event held June 24 at the Sedalia Senior Center called “Hear Our Stories” attracted 120 people and raised almost $18,000 for the Center as a result of a dinner, silent and live auction items, as well as a 50/50 raffle and donations.
The senior center honored three of the community’s most outstanding older citizens at its first-ever gala event and auction.

The gala recognized Rhonda Chalfant, Lauretta E. Emerson, and Allen Hawkins. All three are receiving services from the Senior Center.

None of the three honorees spoke publically. All three had family members and friends attend the gala, however.

The fundraising goal is $25,000, which will help the center continue to serve more than 33,000 meals to older adults annually.

The center, operated by Care Connection for Aging Services, depends on the local community for more than one-third of its operating budget.

The center, which moved in March 2022 to the Heckart Community Center, provides hot lunches to people 60 and older in its dining room for a suggested contribution of $6 toward the total cost of the meal, which is actually $9.50.

The center also delivers meals to the homes of qualified older adults.

“We’re very pleased with the outcome and support especially with this being our first ever of this kind of event,” commented Liz Rooks, president of the Senior Center Advisory Board and Gala Committee Chairwoman.

In the top photo:  Allen Hawkins, Lauretta E. Emerson, and Rhonda Chalfant pose for photos at the conclusion of the gala.