Fundraiser Yields $10K For Services For Downers Grove's Older Citizens

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — A fall fundraiser designed to benefit older residents living in Downers Grove Township raised $10,000, which organizers say will go a long way in providing meaningful help to those who need it.

Oak Trace Senior Living Community hosted the Fall Harvest Fundraiser for Friends For Downers Grove Township Seniors (FFDGTS). A not-for-profit organization, FFDGTS provides support services, opportunities for socialization, programming, seminars, and more for older adults in the township, event organizers said in a news release.

Downers Grove Township includes Clarendon Hills, Darien, Willowbrook, and parts of Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Lemont, Oak Brook, Westmont, and Woodridge.

Maureen Wood, vice president of FFDGTS and event chairperson, said that the organization was founded ten years ago “with the sole purpose of fundraising” to support the senior-focused initiatives, the release said.

Downers Grove Township senior programs, which take place in Downers Gove Senior Center, include various games, workshops, wellness activities, informational seminars, and more. They also offer community dining opportunities. The value, said Wood, “is to provide a safe and enjoyable place to go with interesting programming and friends. It really improves the quality of the seniors’ lives.”

The annual fundraiser drew approximately 100 attendees from the area and featured food stations and specialty cocktails served throughout Oak Trace. The release said that Oak Trace awarded resident Dave Humphreys as its Senior of the Year and FFDGTS honored Wendy and Bob Jerosky as its Seniors of the Year for their volunteer work.

Approximately $10,000 was raised through sponsorships, raffles, and ticket sales, the organization said.

“We were excited to be asked to host this event,” Janice Hutchinson, sales director at Oak Trace, said in a statement issued by the facility. “We are proud to be affiliated with such a worthwhile organization which is focused on supporting older adults in our area. Additionally, we were happy to be able to share the progress of the beautiful renovation and expansion project at Oak Trace.”