As these unique times continue, so do the creative styles people are resorting to in keeping life as normal as possible. This was the Senior Services Center 20th annual event, Evening for Alzheimer’s Care which benefits Senior Services’ Elizabeth and Tab Williams Adult Day Center. A significant anniversary required a lot of innovative forethought, which brought about the “Virtual Gala” to recognize and continue to support the Senior Services Center in Winston-Salem.
The event has always been known for its unique array of silent auction items, as well as a live auction which brings the community and friends together to support a worthy cause. An online platform called “acclevents ” was used, through which they were able to house the silent auction and offer free registration to the “Virtual Gala” online. The long-standing relationship between Senior Services and 5 Loaves Catering allowed them to recreate the gala experience by providing pre-purchased boxed meals that were available for pick-up on the night of the event. “We also tried something completely new this year, by enlisting the help of staff, friends, and family members of participants to encourage their friends and family to give to this initiative,” said Melissa Wilson, Director of Giving & Events. “Many of them formed virtual teams to help raise money by sharing with their personal networks through social media, encouraging them to attend the online auction and live event. The online auction was a week-long event and featured items such as jewelry, golf trips, vacation packages, and gift certificates from many local businesses and restaurants.”
This year’s Honorary Chairs were Sue Henderson, Marian Douglas and Susan Mann—these three ladies have been actively involved since the very first event. The event co-chairs were Shana and Adam Hurt.
The Presenting Sponsor was BB&T and the Emerald Sponsor was R.J. Reynolds. Corporate Friends that helped sponsor the event were Allegacy Credit Union, Flow Automotive, Flow Lexus, Hanesbrands, Kilpatrick Townsend, The Law Offices of Roderick T. McIver, Novant Health, Mercedes Benz, Stephens Inc., Southern Pharmacy and The Law Offices of Timothy Welborn. A special recognition to Lynn Eisenberg, Sandlin and Hunter Douglas, Dek Driscoll and members of the Senior Services Board of Directors, Senior Services Foundation Board and staff.
Wilson adds, “The unique circumstances we have dealt with this year presented numerous difficulties for many of our program participants. We have had to be cautious but creative in order to continue to provide services to the aging community, including those who would normally be attending the Day Center and Meals-on-Wheels recipients. COVID-19 has amplified the need for the programs we offer seniors and their families, and donor support is more important than ever as the needs continue to grow. The proceeds from the 20th Annual Evening for Alzheimer’s Care will support scholarships to the Williams Adult Day Center for families and their loved ones living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.”
For more information on the Seniors Services Adult Day Care Center visit
www.seniorservicesinc.org or call 336/725/0907
