It’s almost Christmas at the COA

SAINT AUGUSTINE  – “Christmas on the River,” a fundraiser for the Council on Aging heads the list of upcoming events sponsored by the local organization. The much anticipated gala continues from 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 19 at River House.   This year’s theme will be “A Worldwide Journey of Wine Tasting & Gift Giving from the Heart”.  This event is a delightful kickoff to the holiday season that includes a festival of wreaths and other decorations, wine tastings and fair trade items from Amistad, delicious food, and seasonal music.

All proceeds benefit Care Connection services. Care Connection is our crisis mitigation for seniors with emergency needs for which there is no other funding source. This year, because of Hurricane Irma, we anticipate a greater need than ever before to help displaced elders who are trying to return to their homes after flooding.

“It is absolutely crucial that we are able to provide these essential in-home services to our seniors,” Becky Yanni, Executive Director, said. “I can’t think of a better way to bring the community together around the holiday season to support such a worthy cause!”

Council on Aging is in search of donations of new Christmas wreaths and small trees.  These decorations should be not used and made with silk or dried materials and delivered to COA on or before Nov. 3. Sponsorships are also available.  The different sponsorship levels include: $60 to be an auction sponsor, $250 to be a Ruby Sponsor (which includes 2 event tickets), $500 to be an Emerald Sponsor (which includes 4 event tickets), and $1,000 to be a Diamond Sponsor (which includes 8 event tickets).  All sponsorships include numerous recognition opportunities.

Tickets are available for purchase for $45 each.  For more information, please contact Cindy Walker, Development and Communication Associate, at 904.209.3687 or cjwalker@stjohnscoa.com.

OTHER EVENTS

The Council on Aging (COA) has joined Giving Tuesday, Nov. 28,  a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities, and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide.  Giving Tuesday is being held the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, to kick off the holiday giving season and inspire people to collaborate in improving their local communities and to give back in impactful ways to the charities and causes they support.

This year, COA is utilizing Giving Tuesday to improve the quality of life for older adults in St. Johns County by strengthening our programs and services,  including five senior centers, Care Connection, Integrative Memory Enhancement Program ©, Meals on Wheels, and more.  The money contributed will enable COA to build more wheelchair ramps, deliver more meals to homebound seniors, and enhance our senior center programming, among other things.

“Now, more than ever, it is important to not only provide basic necessities to our seniors, but opportunities for fun and engaging activities, as well,” said Becky Yanni, Council on Aging Executive Director.

For information call Cindy Walker, 904-209-3687 or go to http://www.givingtuesday.org.

UPCOMING AT COA:
Senior Sexual Assault Lecture 10 a.m. Nov. 9 at River House, 179 Marine St. presented by Jackie Meredith, Betty Griffin Center. Call 209-3655 to register and for further information.

Senior Pilates taught by Susan Patterson is Mondays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at River House. Cost is $4 for members; $5 for non-members. Bring a yoga mat and straps, if you have them. Call 209-3655 to register.

iPhone/iPad classes with Kai Long are Tuesdays at River House beginning Nov. 7 from 2 to 3 p.m. Cost: $8 for River House members; $10 for tohers. Call 209-3655.