Senior Concerns continued its tradition of community impact with its 38th Annual Ultimate Dining Experience: The Greatest Gala, held March 14 at the Hyatt Regency Westlake. Inspired by a vintage circus aesthetic and the spirit of “The Greatest Showman,” the evening welcomed approximately 350 supporters for a celebration benefiting local seniors and family caregivers.
Guests began the evening with “Sip and Bites Under the Big Top,” featuring tastings from local restaurants, wineries, and breweries. The Ring of Rarities silent auction offered a range of packages, followed by a ballroom program that included dinner, themed entertainment, special presentations, and a live auction led by celebrity auctioneer Zack Krone.
A highlight of the evening was a tribute to longtime supporter May Culbertson, to whom the event was dedicated. Andrea Gallagher, president and CEO of Senior Concerns, and community supporter Keets Cassar honored her legacy and recognized her generosity and impact on the organization.
Julie Harvey, director of development for Senior Concerns, delivered the keynote address, sharing her perspective as an only child and family caregiver to her 95-year-old father and her 92-year-old mother living with dementia. Harvey described the challenges families face and how Senior Concerns became a lifeline for her family, providing guidance, encouragement, and critical resources after relocating her parents to an assisted living community in Thousand Oaks.
The event marked the most successful Ultimate Dining Experience in its 38-year history in funds raised to support Senior Concerns’ programs.
Logix Federal Credit Union, along with Karen and Ed Jefferson, served as the event’s Center Stage sponsors.