Foundation for Senior Care's 'Clue' event brings fun into fundraising

FALLBROOK – More than 200 community leaders and citizens from North San Diego and Southwest Riverside counties who are interested in the welfare of the area's growing senior population attended an annual fundraising event at Pala Mesa Resort in support of programs developed and maintained by the Foundation for Senior Care.

According to Dr. Robert Pace, president of the Fallbrook-based organization, "through a combination of outright donations, ticket sales and proceeds from two separate auctions, we generated more than $135,000 to support several projects designed to make life better for the elderly in the region. In addition to participation by my fellow members of the board of directors and the hard-working staff led by Executive Director Keith Birkfeld, we were also joined by a notable number of community leaders from Fallbrook and Temecula, communities where we have two facilities serving seniors with a variety of services."

He noted that the Foundation for Senior Care is funded through a combination of grants, donations and fees for program-services. Many of those programs, he said, provide transportation for seniors to and from medical facilities in San Diego and Riverside counties as well as in-home support and care for the elderly and counseling for those with special needs.

Pace singled out major donations from Temecula Valley Hospital, Graybill Medical Group, Fallbrook Skilled Nursing, Abbott Labs, Saint John's Thrift Shop and Pacific Western Bank along with contributions from other local businesses.

More than 100 other individuals and businesses in the two-county area contributed cash or more than 40 prizes for the silent auction part of the "Not the Usual Suspects" mystery-themed fundraiser.

The annual fundraising event, coordinated by Outreach and Development Officer Theresa Geracitano, was held at Pala Mesa Resort, Oct. 19.

Submitted by Foundation for Senior Care.