CARPINTERIA, Calif. — Polo, philanthropy and a whole lot of heart came together Friday as the Friendship Center celebrated 50 years of serving the community.
The nonprofit hosted its annual Summer Polo Soirée, bringing together about 100 guests for an afternoon of polo, food, drinks and fundraising.
Organizers say about 60% of attendees were new to Friendship Center events.
“Of our 100 attendees today, I'd say like 60 have probably never attended a Friendship Center event,” said Kathryn Westland, executive director of the Friendship Center.
The event was held to raise money for programs supporting seniors living with dementia and the loved ones who care for them.
For Sue Palaszewski, the polo match was a first. She said attending the event had been on her bucket list.
“It's my first polo match ever,” Palaszewski said. “I had it on my bucket list to get here this year to come and witness a game. And here I am today supporting the Friendship Center and enjoying the beautiful horses.”
Guests enjoyed VIP seating at the polo match, light bites, an open bar and a silent auction.
The Friendship Center offers programming for people living with dementia on a sliding scale, meaning there is no set fee to attend.
Westland said the organization was hoping to raise about $75,000 through the fundraiser.
“Everything that we raise goes towards enabling members to come to our program no matter their financial situation,” Westland said.
Grazia Coffin said her father has been a member of the Friendship Center for about a year. She said the organization has been a major source of support for her family.
“He loves every minute of it,” Coffin said. “He gets constant interaction and is stimulated with the music and art and all the outreach programs that they have.”
Palaszewski said the center also provides peace of mind for families.
“It's so nice to know that when you're at work, you're not stressing out, that you have a place for your parents to go,” she said.
The Friendship Center also plans to announce details about its first-ever conference focused on dementia, along with a family reunion alumni picnic.
Westland said the need for services is growing as California's older adult population increases.
“The aging population, adults over 65, is rapidly growing in California and Santa Barbara especially,” Westland said. “So it doesn't matter if you're working in the health care setting or if you're working in retail, you're going to be working with older adults.”
The Friendship Center says the fundraiser supports its mission to provide compassionate care for people living with dementia and their families.
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