“ANSWERS FOR ELDERS’” KICKS OFF THEIR 12 DAYS OF GOODNESS EVENT AT KENT SENIOR CENTER 12/12 AT 12

Answers for Elders’ 12 Days of Goodness kicks off on Tuesday, 12/12, at noon for 12 days at the Kent Senior Activity Center, (600 E. Smith St., Kent), raising awareness that, according to numerous studies, 60 percent of seniors are without regular visitors.

Now in its fifth year, the program is supported by the Seattle Seahawks, the NFL Alumni Association and the NFL Legends Community. It features 12 days of events and this year will likely feature its largest group of football Legends to date, who will also accompany Meals on Wheels deliveries to reach isolated seniors in their homes.

The inaugural event will be held at the Kent Senior Activity Center on 12/12 at noon. This event will feature two to three NFL Legends (to be announced), SuperFans and a lot of fun! The event is free to attend, but advanced tickets are required. Guests are encouraged to wear Blue Friday gear to the formal kick-off ceremony on 12/12 to begin the campaign with door prizes and more.

In addition, attendees can purchase tickets for lunch on 12/12. Those tickets go on sale Tuesday, November 21 at 8:30 a.m. Priority for the $6 lunch tickets will be given to guests 50 and older with a limit of two tickets per person. Lunch tickets may be purchased in person at the Kent Senior Activity Center or by phone with MC/Visa by calling 253-856-5150 weekdays. If space and supplies are available, additional lunch tickets may be purchased on 12/12 at noon for $6.

The day of the event, lunch-serving windows open at 11:30 a.m. at the Kent Parks Deli and Café, located at the east end of the Kent Senior Activity Center. Lunch entry order will be by ticket number and tray assistance will be available if needed.

Guests may register for limited free tickets for the kick-off by phone (253-856-5150) or in person at the Kent Senior Activity Center, beginning Tuesday, December 5 at 8:30 a.m., while supplies last. Limit: two free tickets per person. Name, address and a phone number are required to register. Phone orders for free tickets will be held at the front desk for claiming with photo ID. On 12/12, guests with free tickets will be admitted for perimeter seating beginning at noon. All guests will be accommodated based on space and safety standards.

“Each year we are thrilled to reach more and more lonely seniors in Washington,” said Suzanne Newman, CEO of Answers for Elders and founder of the program.

“Last year our campaign touched nearly 5,000 seniors in 27 events and featured close to 30 football Legends that included Dave Krieg, Steve Raible, Dave Wyman, Manu Tuiasosopo, Norm Johnson, Jordan Babineaux and others,” Newman said, “We are thrilled with the plans for this year’s campaign!”

The 2017 program will feature close to 45 events throughout Greater Puget Sound with NFL Legends, SuperFans and “the 12s,” visiting seniors in various communities to brighten lonely seniors for 12 days, concluding onDecember 23. The program also includes an active social media campaign, encouraging “the 12s” to remember their senior loved ones over the holiday season.

Former Seahawks Defensive End (1977-1982) Dennis Boyd is now co-chairing the event, which brings our Legends closer to the fold.

“As former players in Seattle, we love connecting with the original 12s who supported us when we played,” Boyd said. “We get more out of these events than the seniors do and look forward to 12 Days of Goodness each year as a great outreach program for the Legends who continue to call Washington State our home.”

The corporate sponsor for the kick-off event is LeisureCare, whose local facility Madrona Park Retirement Community, selected the Kent Senior Activity Center to host this exclusive event. This will be the third year that LeisureCare has put its support behind the 12 Days of Goodness, featuring events in additional locations in this year’s program. For a complete list of participating NFL Legends and other 12 Days of Goodness celebration locations, visit 12daysofgoodness.com.

About Answers for Elders

Answers for Elders is the founding organization, and an online and on-air eldercare education resource. The organization was created by Suzanne Perkins Newman, an adult family caregiver walking the same path, caring for her mom. Answers for Elders supports families on this journey. Now as a weekly radio program, Suzanne is the host of the Answers for Elders Radio Show, featured on KGNW, KLFE and KKOL on Saturdays at 1 p.m., broadcast throughout Greater Puget Sound, and featuring top vetted providers that offer education and resources on navigating senior care. We are a resource portal of answers that you need most, not only to learn what the issues are that you need to face, but also finding local businesses you can work with in your own community. For complete information, contact Suzanne Newman at 425-802-5300 or[email protected], or visit AnswersForElders.com.

[Source: Dana Neuts, Communications Consultant to the City of Kent]

 

Michelle Gehlman-Teeter

Michelle Gehlman-Teeter is a writer and photographer from Kent, Washington. Michelle is a contributor to iLoveKent.net. She loves to find interesting places to go and fun things to do and share them with her readers. Click links to see her writing, photography or Facebook page.