Description

Join us this year at Springhill Suites by Marriott Lakeland for our Annual Networking Extravaganza. The event will include lots of great networking, a silent auction, many raffle prizes, a pumpkin decorating contest, and a live auction featuring all of the decorated pumpkins.  

Registration includes lunch and 3 raffle tickets. (a variety of sandwich options will be available with pasta salad, fresh-cut fruit, raspberry oatmeal bar, and your choice of sweet or unsweet)  

This year's event proceeds will benefit Senior Orphans of Polk County Inc.

About Senior Orphans of Polk County:
Many of us complain about trying to live off a few thousand dollars a month, let alone $600 per month. Yet right here in Polk County, many seniors are forced to live off this meager income. They are faced with the choice of eating or buying much-needed medications on a daily basis. Sadly, many have discovered that Social Security isn't enough. Senior Orphans was founded to help those in need, and your contributions can make such a difference in the lives of so many. Thousands of needy seniors get help with their day-to-day living expenses with your donations.

100 Percent Volunteer Driven
Senior Orphans of Polk County is a recognized 501(c)3 organization that carries no administrative costs and operates totally on volunteer hours and donations. The group pulls
together more than 300 volunteers every year, putting in more than 7,000 hours.

No Administrative Costs
There are no administrative costs—no rent, salaries, or utility bills—because the group's founder refuses to take payment. Donated items are stored in an oversized garage (rent-free), while financial contributions and gift cards are used to purchase whatever is still needed.

Clients are Referred
Seniors are screened only through qualified agencies such as the Department of Children and Families (DCF), Polk Elderly Services, Polk County Opportunity Council, or the Peace River Association. Senior Orphans and the agency case managers are careful to ensure that the neediest of the needy receive assistance—and to avoid duplication of services.

Making a Difference
Folks on the Senior Orphans list are not on any other list. Some live independently while some live in nursing homes and assisted-care facilities. To eliminate duplication, recipients are screened by various county and state agencies. Senior Orphans definitely make a difference. In their first year of operation, twenty-five years ago, volunteers filled 200 Christmas wishes; last year, they made 3,500 wishes come true!