Though we are a few weeks into the New Year, I would be remiss to not wish everyone a Happy New Year, while hoping for all the blessings in the world for each of you in 2025.
On New Year’s Eve, in the final hours of 2024, we gathered with hundreds of Osceola Council on Aging (OCOA) residents, friends, colleagues, and community partners to draw the winning ticket for the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport fundraiser. Just as we have done for the past five years, it was a wonderful way to kick off the New Year! Congratulations to the winner, Ronald C. from St. Petersburg, and a big thanks to Gator Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Melbourne for supporting our annual fundraising raffle.
The Jeep raffle is one of many fundraising opportunities the OCOA hosts throughout the year to support our extensive, and ever-expanding social service programs. Those social initiatives support senior residents, individuals with disabilities, and disadvantaged families living in poverty, right here in our community.
Right around the corner is another fundraising event, our annual Gala. This year’s theme, ‘Enchanted Gala,’ will be packed with imagination, sparkle, and elegance for a night of amazing culinary feasts, special entertainment, a silent auction, dancing, and music. The event will be held on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 6 p.m. at the BEV Center, 700 Generation Point in Kissimmee. For tickets, go to https://osceolagenerations.org/enchanted-gala/.
Another fundraiser we heavily depend upon each year is our March for Meals St. Patrick’s 5k Run/Walk. Having hosted the event for over 20 years, the fun run creates awareness of senior hunger within our community, while raising funds for our expansive Meals on Wheels program. Please grab a team and join us, on March 15; registration begins at 7 a.m. at Kissimmee Lakefront Park.
If you are interested in learning more about our fundraising opportunities, or simply joining us for other celebrations and events, go to our website, at www.osceolagenerations.org for more information and registration.
As always, I am incredibly proud of the impactful work our Council on Aging accomplishes for the Osceola community. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our community partners, business allies, dedicated staff, and volunteers for their unwavering support throughout the year. Each of you plays a vital role within the OCOA family, and together, we are changing a multitude of lives, for the better.
Due to your hard work, generosity, and support, in 2024 we served over 200,000 meals to those in need, distributed more than two million pounds of food to combat hunger and provided millions of dollars in utility assistance, helping families keep their homes cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and safe all year-round. Truly milestones!
Whether you are a staff member working tirelessly behind the scenes, a volunteer giving your time and heart, a donor providing the resources to make it all happen, or a client trusting us to lend a hand—we are deeply thankful for each of you. Together, you make it possible for us to be the conduit which fills the emotional, physical, and even psychological needs of thousands of Osceola community members.
I hope this year brings everyone peace, joy, comfort, and plenty of time with loved ones. Thank you for being part of the Osceola Council on Aging’s mission to create a stronger, sustainable, and more compassionate community.
Have a great 2025!
