FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 15, 2010: Fort Myers, Florida
AREA AGENCY ON AGING FOR SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PRESENTS GOLDEN APPRECIATION AWARDS:
The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida, Inc. held its annual Golden Appreciation Awards Luncheon on June 10, 2010 at the Embassy Suites in Estero, Florida. The awards, created in 1994 by the agency, recognize the many contributions of individuals and organizations to the aging network.
The James Stephens Award, awarded to an individual for outstanding contribution to the aging network was presented to Mrs. Timmie Weisbaum for her work with the TOUCH Program. TOUCH stands for Together Our Understanding Can Help and focuses on providing stimulation, activity, and exercise for nursing home residents. Mrs. Weisbaum has been involved with the TOUCH since its inception in 1978 by Mrs. Weisbaum’s mother. The nomination was submitted to The Area Agency on Aging by Mrs. Kathy LaPietra of the American Red Cross, Sarasota.
The NBC2 Giving Tree Program was awarded the Helen K. Fallert Award, presented to an organization’s outstanding contribution to the aging network. Partners in the program are NBC2 Waterman Broadcasting, Perkins Restaurants of Southwest Florida and Kiwanis Division 19. The Giving Tree Program gathers and distributes gifts to nursing home residents during the holiday season. The nomination was submitted by Mrs. Nancy Green-Irwin of Senior Friendship Centers of Lee County.
From Left: Helen K. Fallert, Kathy Woolston, Kiwanis Florida Division 19, Jay Robinson, Perkins Restaurants, Harris Segal, Kiwnis Florida Division 19, , Bill Molzan, Perkins Restaurants of SS Florida, Nancy Green-Irwin, Senior Friendship Centers and Marilyn Bramel, Account Executive, NBC2 Waterman Broadcasting
Florida Power and Light Company was honored with the first Golden Appreciation Award for its ongoing support of the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida. As a valuable partner of the agency, Florida Power and Light has contributed more than $15,000 to the agency and has contributed million of dollars to its customers in need, many of which are part of the aging network. Ms. Kay Moran , Special Consumer Services Manager, accepted the award on behalf of FP&L.
The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida, Inc. contracts with the Department of Elder Affairs as an aging resource center for a seven county area including Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Hendry, Glades, and Desoto counties. Its mission is to provide information and services to adults age 60 to enable individuals to remain in their homes and avoid nursing home placement. For more information on the Area Agency on Aging and its programs please call the Elder Helpline at 866-413-5337.