SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. (SNN) — More than 60 people dressed up in luau-themed outfits to dance for an end-of-summer fundraiser for a great cause.
Senior Friendship Centers (SFC) teamed up with the Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program to raise funds toward ending hunger in the region.
“Kind of gives our people something fun and get them out of isolation, they’re socializing and having a good time, and they’re having a fun place to do it at. Also, we’re partnering with Mayors’ Feed the Hungry and that is always something we want to do as a lead agency in Sarasota,” said Senior Programs Manager at SFC Jenny Macias.
The End-of-Summer bash fundraiser included performances from hula dancers and music from Krazy Karaoke Live. Most importantly, it provided support to feed those in need in the community.
“All the funds we collect, we use to provide food services to our local agencies. So, some get [it] in the form of food gift cards, some we provide extra funding to provide the food services they offer to the community. So, we’re always looking for opportunities to help out,” said Executive Director of Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Scott Biehler.
Malnutrition affects seniors who suffer from loneliness, isolation, immobility, depression, dementia, and other medical conditions.
“As you can probably imagine, with the high cost of food and housing in this area, our food pantries have been busier than usual. And, seniors are on a fixed income, so we’re finding more and more demands for food,” said Biehler.
Attendees enjoyed Hawaiian punch, fruit, cookies, and veggies from the food station. Volunteers from the Embassy Suites by Hilton Sarasota were also in attendance.