The Center for Active Seniors will host its annual Hat Bash on Thursday, Nov. 16, with proceeds benefiting its senior services, including Jane’s Place, the Iowa Quad Cities’ only adult day care center.
The fundraiser, which organizers call “A Party with a Purpose,” will be from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at CASI’s center, 1035 W. Kimberly Road, Davenport. Tickets — $50 in advance, $75 at the door — can be purchased at HatBash.com.
This year’s goal is to raise $75,000 through Hat Bash, which will include food and drink, online and silent auctions, a DJ and much more. Attendees also will have a chance to win a week in Estes Park, Colorado.
CASI supporters got an early start on fundraising this year with help from a new pre-holiday Hat Bash fundraiser, Pass the Hat. The event pitted Decker Ploehn, CASI board member and Bettendorf city administrator, against Gwen Tombergs, past CASI chair and creator of the Hat Bash, to see who could raise the most money.
The Mad Hatters, as they were called, raised an impressive $38,000 over a two-week period that ended Sunday, Oct. 16, to help kick-start Hat Bash.
The fundraiser, now in its 15th year, got its start from a letter sent in by an 87-year-old named Lenora, who wrote how a CASI staff member had delivered a Christmas present to her and it was the only gift she received.
At the time, CASI’s senior gift program did not have enough funding. Once CASI discovered several hundred seniors did not receive a gift, the Hat Bash was born.
As CASI faces other funding cuts this year, organizers said the money raised at Hat Bash is more important than ever. The fundraiser not only supports CASI’s year-round programs for seniors, but also will support Jane’s Place, located within CASI.
Jane’s Place is the only adult day program facility in eastern Iowa. It serves seniors with early onset dementia, specific physical needs, and those who enjoy a daily routine filled with physical and mental activities as well as social interaction. Jane’s Place also provides caregivers with much needed respite and allows many caregivers to continue to work.
CASI, which marked its 50th anniversary this year, continues its mission of providing services that promote independence and enrich the lives of older adults. Its facility and programs offer socialization, health and wellness resources, and supportive services. Offerings include social events, fitness classes, meal services and opportunities to work with advocates.
For more information about CASI, visit www.CASIseniors.com. For more information on Hat Bash, contact Sue Rector at srector@CASIseniors.org or call (563) 386-7477.
