It is getting harder and harder for nonprofit organizations to get by such as Jovenes de Antano, which services seniors and is the only group of its kind in San Benito County.
The organization founded in 1975 is responding by holding what it hopes becomes its biggest fundraiser yet – a “Sweethearts and Memories” event that features dinner, dancing, a silent auction, raffle prizes and music by “Mark Russo and the Classy Cats.” The theme as a whole has a backdrop of replicating life in 1945 for the gathering from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday at the Veterans Memorial Building.
Jovenes de Antano Executive Director Pauline Valdivia hopes the fundraiser attracts 200 to 300 people to keep its services going strong – such as Meals on Wheels, congregate meals at the senior center, transportation, counseling and more.
“There’s no one else in the county that provides these services,” Valdivia said.
Complicating the organization’s challenges, with the tougher economic times – and less financial support – there also is more need in the community. For the first time last year, Jovenes de Antano had to start a waiting list for Meals on Wheels. Funding for programs is down about 30 percent, for Meals on Wheels to around $130,000 annually, Valdivia said.
“These are people who are frail,” she said.
Valdivia also stressed that there are more than 100 nonprofits competing for dollars from private donors and groups such as Community Foundation for San Benito County.
Providing senior services is more important than ever, though, as people are living longer and “take better care of themselves,” Valdivia said.
They, and others, have the chance to show off their fitness levels, and charity, at the dinner-dance event next weekend. In these difficult times, every little bit helps.
“Sweethearts and Memories”
The Jovenes de Antano fundraiser is set for 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday at the Veterans Memorial Building. It will include music, a tri-tip dinner, silent auction, raffle prizes and dancing. Tickets are $45 and can be bought at Penny Wise Drug, Postal Graphics or She’s, along with Jovenes de Antano’s office at 300 West St. It will benefit programs for seniors.
