This year’s Las Vegas Senior Lifeline Holiday Party was filled with singing, laughter, and delicious Hanukkah foods! The annual Holiday Party is sponsored by Women’s Philanthropy, a division of the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas. This year Senior Lifeline clients enjoyed a traditional Hanukah meal along with Menorah lighting, entertainment provided by Angel Rivera, and holiday gift bags to take home. “Women’s Philanthropy is proud to sponsor the Senior Lifeline Holiday party as one of our Mitzvah Projects every year,” noted Fran Fine-Ventura, Women’s Philanthropy Chair.

Volunteers from the Women’s Philanthropy Council came together to serve lunch and celebrate with the clients. “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the Senior Lifeline Hanukkah party for five years in a row,” noted Debra Cohen, Women’s Philanthropy Council Member. “It’s one of the most important acts of charity that I perform each year, and reminds me how very lucky my family is that we can serve our community.”

Seniors enjoyed traditional Hanukah foods including latkes, brisket, and sufganiyot (jelly donuts).  “It wouldn’t be a Hanukkah celebration without latkes and jelly donuts,” commented Rachel Ventura, Women’s Philanthropy Council member and Campaign Chair.  Volunteers took the opportunity to sit with clients for lunch, mingle and share stories. “I loved getting to know the senior clients,” noted Suzanne Handler, Women’s Philanthropy Council member. “They have really amazing stories to share.”

Before the music started, Rachel Ventura and Suzanne Handler took a few minutes to share the story of Hanukah and invited seniors to participate in the lighting of the menorah. After the menorah was lit, music and entertainment began! Angel Rivera , MC/Singer & Guitarist,  played classic Hanukkah songs as well as all-time favorites such as Don McLean’s, “American Pie” and Frank Sinatra’s, “My Way”. Thanks to Melissa Krause, Program Manager of Senior Lifeline, for organizing entertainment for this meaningful event.

When the party was over, volunteers handed out holiday gift bags to each client as they left.  Each client received a large plush throw to keep them warm throughout this winter season! A special thanks to Galit Rozen, Women’s Philanthropy Council Member and Mitzvah Project Chair, for organizing items for this year’s gift.

“Women’s Philanthropy looks forward to sponsoring the holiday party every year,” noted Arielle Ventura, Director of Women’s Philanthropy. “It’s a joy to give back and to provide a memorable experience for the Senior Lifeline clients.”

Year round the dedicated staff of Las Vegas Senior Lifeline provides compassionate care, case management, and program services to over 500 low-income vulnerable senior adults.  These individuals are visited by a case manager in their home and provided a service plan for assistance from Las Vegas Senior Lifeline with nutritional support, homemaking assistance, medical support and transportation assistance.  The purpose is to provide a network of social service resources to seniors who need assistance with maintaining their independence. Typical clients are the most vulnerable members of the city’s senior population; men and women living at or below poverty level. Women make up 74% of the clientele, 50% (both men and women) are over the age of 75 and the average client reported an income of $1000 or less a month

For more information about Las Vegas Senior Lifeline please contact Lisa Poposvky at lisa@jewishlasvegas.com. For more information about Women’s Philanthropy and how to get involved please contact Arielle Ventura at Arielle@jewishlasvegas.com.