Pines shares wit and wisdom at annual luncheon

The Pines of Sarasota Foundation presented its annual The Wit and Wisdom of Aging Luncheon Nov. 15 at Michael's On East. More than 200 people attended the event, which also commemorated The Pines of Sarasota's 75th anniversary.

Pines Foundation Interim President Andrea Stephens was hostess and emcee, and Julie A. Harris and Pat Golemme co-chaired. The Pines of Sarasota President and CEO Mike Ward addressed the guests and explained how donations raised will fill the gap in financial needs that Medicare doesn't cover for many of the residents who live to a great age — without great resources. Additionally, the Sarasota Kiwanis Club made a pledge to match donations from the event up to $10,000.

The table centerpieces were made from flowers out of The Pines' thrift stores, and Ward mentioned that there are over 3,000 shoppers at the Pines thrift stores each month.

Testimonial speaker Jodi Cherry recalled her gratitude and positivity while moving her aged parents into The Pines, and how helpful everyone was with the transition. She spoke about the importance of intergenerational connections and how The Pines meets these needs with its cutting-edge training center for residential and at-home caregivers.

With Ray Collins as the moderator, panelists Joseph Volpe from the Sarasota Ballet, Carrie Seidman from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and Eddie Morton from Morton's Gourmet Market answered Collins' questions and told stories from their distinctive perspectives, often generating laughter from the crowd.