October 17, 2006 > A special night out for seniors

by Lance Dwyer

Imagine living a life without friends, family or means of transportation. Imagine living day after day being homebound. Imagine a life without any social interaction whatsoever.

Now, imagine someone taking the time to break the monotony, to make you feel special by giving you his or her undivided attention for a whole evening.

The Tri-City Elder Coalition is asking for 40 people to do just that on Wednesday, Oct. 25 by serving as escorts at their 13th annual Senior's Night Out.

Each escort is asked to make a $70 donation for his or her respective senior attendee and pick him or her up to attend the festivities.

"For some seniors, this might be the only time they get to go out each year," said Barbara Proctor of Life Eldercare. "This night gives them a chance to dress up and have someone pay attention to them for three hours."

The Senior's Night Out program includes the Fremont Tappers as well as a performance by none other than Elvis himself. There will also be several raffle prizes throughout the night as well.

Proctor said that this event is just one small way to show the people she referred to as the community's "treasured assets" that we care. But of course, this can only happen if enough escorts are willing to volunteer their time. Proctor said that there are many seniors who want to attend but unfortunately do not have an escort yet.

If you are interested in becoming an escort you have the option of either escorting a senior you know or organizers can assign you one. Donations will also be gladly accepted from anyone who would like to support the senior community but may not be available to attend the Senior's Night Out.

All proceeds raised from the event will benefit the seniors, specifically through the Personal Urgent Need (PUN) grant, which are one-time endowments given to seniors in desperate need who have no other form of financial assistance. Tri-City Elder Coalition is also looking for sponsors.

For more information on sponsorship and/or to make a donation contact: Yolanda at (510) 543-5928 or Carolyn at (510) 574-2044.

Senior's Night Out
Wednesday, October 25
5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Newark Hilton
39900 Ballantine Drive, Newark