Council on Aging benefit – Big hit!

Submitted by Jeff McDowell, Council on Aging

Marketing & Communications Manager

The Council on Aging of Nassau County held their annual fundraising event, “A Sentimental Journey” this past Friday night at the Omni Resort and Plantation. For the more than 200 guests it was an evening of laughter, music and dancing. The bidding in both the live and silent auctions was robust and nearly everyone was delighted with their prizes.

The performers from the Amelia Musical Playhouse really added a lot of excitement and atmosphere as they greeted guests, assisted in the live auction, performed musical numbers and wowed the crowd with their bubbly enthusiasm. Speaking of bubbly, champagne and wine flowed throughout the evening as part of the “Great Gatsby” themed event. Besides the performers, many of the guests made their entrances dressed “to the nines” in their vintage flapper dresses, tuxedos, cigarette holders and more.

The room itself also played a part in the art-deco event. Subdued lighting, cabaret style tables, oversized champagne (martini?) glasses as centerpieces and other touches throughout made the illusion of going back to another age, complete.

The Council on Aging is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency, the highest level of charitable organization. We cheerfully deliver critical services to Nassau County seniors in five categories including Meals on Wheels, COA Transportation, In-Home Care, and Adult Day Health Care, while operating two senior recreation centers. We are funded by donations from private individuals and some government grants.

Editor’s Note:  The following video captures the highlights of the Council on Aging fundraising event.  We thank Helmut Albrecht for allowing us to use his presentation.

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For the staff and executive board members of the Council on Aging, it was equal parts fundraiser and festive occasion to offer their sincere thanks to the members of the community who continue to support the COA’s programs through good economic times and bad.

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CUTLINE: From L to R: COA’s Executive Director Janice Ancrum, Susan Walters, Molly Massing and Anita McCarthy greet guests as they arrive to COA’s “Sentimental Journey”. The fundraiser was held last Friday night (Oct. 4th) at the Omni Resort and Plantation.

According to, COA’s Executive Director, Janice Ancrum who spoke briefly at the event, the best days at COA are ahead. “We continue to look forward with enthusiasm towards the future as we provide excellent service to our senior citizens. Each day we do our best to change their lives in a positive manner,” she said.

One of the many highlights of the evening was the live auction hosted by Jacksonville celebrity, Cole Pepper. His skills at auctioneering netted more than $3,500 for the COA. Some of the items auctioned off was a $2,000 gift certificate from local business, Mooney’s Woodworks and a two night stay and golf package from an Omni Resort in Pennsylvania.

October 13, 2013 1:00 p.m.