Rotary Has Heart for Seniors

Rotary Has Heart for Seniors has evolved into a yearlong project. The one-time touch of the Valentine Party has now evolved into a quarterly pen pal program and birthday card mailing which has opened up communication and provided a more personal touch. For the third quarter, The Rotary Club of Thomasville had the pleasure of sponsoring the September Birthday Party at the Scott Senior Center. Pat Howard Director of the Scott Senior Center and staff chose a luau theme. The center had left over decorations, leis, hair flowers and hats from last year's party.  The Rotary Club of Thomasville provided  birthday cupcakes, meatballs, cheese, grapes, pigs in a blanket, and themed drinks. These Specialty drinks were created behind the tiki bar by experienced Rotarians and later served by Rotarians along with the food and dessert.  About ten Rotarians enjoyed the luau with about forty seniors. For entertainment, Charla's School of Dance had four special dances preformed by their dancers. 

For the fourth quarter, Rotarians mailed Christmas cards created by Hands and Hearts for Horses clients along with a special note from a Rotarian.  Rotary is imaging a community of service and a connection with our area seniors.  We love the connection that continues to grow with them on each special touch.

The Rotary Has Heart for Seniors Valentine Party was a huge success as always. An invitation to the event was mailed to each member of the Scott Senior Center.  This year we were able to have our community trees displayed again at the two local Thomasville National Bank locations.  Hearts with the senior's name along with a gift of their desire was placed on the tree.  Community members chose a heart, bought a gift for a senior, and dropped it back off to be wrapped by Rotarians.  Another tree was displayed at a club meeting for Rotarians to join in on the fun of purchasing a senior Valentine gift.  The seniors were served hamburgers, hotdogs, baked beans, chips, and were given the choice of dessert (cupcake, brownie, or angel food cake.) Music was provided by a local gospel group. Festive Valentine balloons were the table centerpieces All left with a smile on their face. About 15 Rotarians volunteered the day of on this project.  Our second quarter pen pal letter will go out in May to round out the year long project.

Publicity / Public Image References:

• 2/14/24 Facebook post and photos published for Rotary Has Heart For Seniors Valentine’s Day Party on 2/14/24 linked HERE. Local media invited to attend event.
• Early March 2024…a story will be posted to club website, added to newsletter blast to club, and submitted to District for potential newsletter story - TBA.