Valentine's Day doesn't have to stop after 24 hours. That loving spirit can carry throughout the month, or even the rest of the year, if you surround yourself with the right people. That proved itself at the Southlake Women's Club's annual Senior Valentine Luncheon.
On February 16, 135 seniors came out to The Legends Hall at The Marq Southlake for a day of great food, lively entertainment and much more. Members said that they wanted to treat these seniors to a day of fun.
“My goal was to focus on food, fun and excitement for our seniors. Between the great food, laughter and prizes, I believe that those goals were achieved and that our event was a great success,” Addie Pilat, community outreach chair for the Southlake Women's Club, said.
Local chef John Croatti served up the event's delicious food. He and his middle-school-aged daughter, Lexi, came out to the event and helped make the event memorable, even though they lost Lexi's grandmother the very night before the luncheon. Both said that “Grandma” would be happy that they supported this event for other seniors.
The group's members brought in different gifts for the seniors that were given out as prizes for the event. One member in particular, Josie Spence, brought in more than 200 gifts for the group.
“Our members donate goods, money and volunteer their time at events like the Senior Valentine's Luncheon,” Brook Bramley, communications chair for the club, said. “Seeing [the seniors'] joy made this event successful and all the volunteers had as much fun as the seniors.”
This year's event surpassed their expected attendance, which they were able to accommodate thanks to their large team of volunteers made up of the group's members. And when asked what made this event worthwhile, Brook said she enjoyed interacting with the seniors and learning more about their lives.
“They were so filled with gratitude and good humor. And their positive spirits were absolutely contagious!” Brook said.