Senior Services of Alexandria Executive Director Mary Lee Anderson, left, poses for a photo with Gerry Cooper and Patrick and Bobbi O’Brien at the annual SSA Oktoberfest Oct. 15 at Port City Brewing Company. Photo by Janet Barnett/Gazette Packet
A pint – or two or three – was raised in support of Senior Services of Alexandria, raising more than $26,000 at the organization’s 8th annual Oktoberfest Tour and Tasting Oct. 15 at Port City Brewing Company
“This was our biggest and best one ever,” said SSA Executive Director Mary Lee Anderson. “We had more people, more sponsors and the [Washington] Nationals even won that night so it was a great evening all around.”
The annual fundraiser supports SSA’s programs and services for Alexandria seniors, including the Senior Nutrition Program, which includes Meals on Wheels, Caring Connection and Groceries to Go, the Friendly Visitor Program, AniMeals on Wheels and educational programming.
Presenting sponsor was The Goodhart Group of Compass Real Estate with catering provided by Federal City Catering and bratwurst by Logan Sausages.
Known primarily for operating the Meals on Wheels delivery program, SSA also provides a fee-free Groceries to Go service and manages DOT transportation reservations for the city. Educational programs are presented throughout the year through various events such as a speaker series and a monthly cable television production, Senior Living in Alexandria.
SSA recently partnered with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria to operate the AniMeals on Wheels program, providing food for pets of low-income seniors. The SSA Friendly Visitor Program matches volunteers with seniors for weekly visits and SSA’s Silver Service Card program provides local seniors with discounts at select local businesses.
“This is my favorite event all year,” added Anderson. “I don’t have to do much of anything – just show up and have fun since we don’t do lots of speeches or presentations. People just come and enjoy themselves. It really is a fun evening for everyone.”
www.seniorservicesalex.org