JACKSON – Members of the Adopt-A-Senior Organization held their annual Tricky Tray fundraiser recently but more than raising money, the event was designed to raise awareness of what their group does.
AASO Director Margaret Morris said “this is our big event where we have the opportunity to raise awareness about our organization and what we do for the seniors living in long-term care facilities within the local community, as well as raise funds to buy all of the gifts for their birthdays and the upcoming holidays.”
Morris added “this is when we communicate that there are so many seniors living in long-term healthcare facilities that might not have visitors.”
“We look to the community to help us make sure that their birthdays and the holidays are happy ones. We look for volunteers who might want to adopt a senior or donate to help buy gifts for those seniors; we spread awareness about our mission of making sure ‘Seniors are not forgotten,’” Morris said.
The group held its Tricky Tray fundraiser at the Howell/Jackson Columbian Club Hall on Bartley Road.
Anne Cohen, the founder of the organization traveled from Brooklyn for the event and was seen greeting the many people who passed through the door at the club house.
[adrotate banner="278"]Recalling the formation of the organization Cohen said “I ran a holiday party for seniors in Riverside N.Y. and after I lost my job, I thought this would be the perfect time to do something for seniors so I formed Adopt-A-Senior. In four years, we went from 400 seniors to 1,300 seniors.
Seniors at Sunrise of Jackson and The Orchards at Bartley are among those assisted living facilities in the township who benefit from the group’s efforts.
“We provide each senior resident there with a birthday present, holiday present and we give them a hand delivered card. We get donations of $50 per senior which covers the cost of things like their presents, cakes, party hats and any special items they may need that we can provide.
Luilliana Borghesi serves as director of activities at Orchards at Bartley and she was present to support the fundraiser. “The seniors are overwhelmed with how they get gifts and attention. Some of them have no families of their own. It becomes their special day and it is individualized for everybody.”
“It is very touching when the volunteers of Adopt-A-Senior come to visit. Some actually cry because they are so happy,” Borghesi said.
Borghesi recently responded to a survey concerning a grant application for the organization which she hopes they receive.
Jennifer Schoepl serves as activities coordinator at Sunrise of Jackson and she was also busy putting in gift tickets into baskets to win prizes and support the fundraiser.
Schoepl described the members of Adopt-A-Senior as “phenomenal. I am so happy that they are here doing this and we see them come in on a monthly basis. They also ask what they can do to assist us. They come in with gifts, party hats and they fulfill special wishes of some of the residents and they come out on the holidays and make their time here special.”
The reactions we see from the seniors when they enjoy their special moments are wonderful. They enjoy playing the kazoo and wearing funny party hats. When you see them smile it shows how truly grateful they are,” Schoepl said.
Schoepl added that volunteers of Adopt-A-Senior helped with a family event of one of the residents out of the kindness of their hearts. “They really make everything so much more memorable for them.”
“We had so many wonderful prizes that were very generously donated to us by many local businesses, individuals, and corporations who believe in our mission,” Morris said.
There were prizes for young and old ranging from one gift basket filled with sports memorabilia to another that included an autographed photograph of Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak. Children and comic book fans could try their luck at winning a superhero basket that featured a variety of items including a Wonder Woman photograph, Batman T-Shirt and Spider-Man coloring book among other items.
Morris added, “this a passion that is so near and dear to us all and one that most people never stop to think about.”
For information on the program and how you can become a volunteer or donate toward its activities, e-mail mmorris@adopt-a-senior.org or visit adopt-a-senior.org.
