37th Anniversary Celebration

36th Anniversary Celebration

Holiday Gift Baskets

37th Anniversary Celebration

WISE held its 37th Anniversary Celebration on May 20, 2005, recognizing those who have made a difference in the lives of seniors in Los Angeles. Hotel Casa del Mar and Shutters on the Beach were presented with the "Outstanding Philanthropists of the Year" award and The Macerich Company received the "Corporate Award of the Year".

The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Fred Willard, well known to film audiences for his work in This is Spinal Tap, Waiting for Guffmam, Best in Show and many others. Fred also has a long list of television credits and most recently has earned two Emmy nominations playing Amys' father, Hank, on the television show Everybody Loves Raymond.

Accepting the award on behalf of The Edward Thomas Companies, owner and operator of both luxury hotel properties, was President and Chief Operating Officer Tim Dubois. An important element of The Edward Thomas Companies' mission is to serve not just its guests, but also its employees, its investors, and, importantly, the communities in which its properties are located. The Company has been an integral part of the local community since 1982 and staff and managers today are dedicated to continuing that legacy.

Randy Brant, Senior Vice President, Development Leasing, accepted the award on behalf of The Macerich Company, one of the largest owners/operators of regional malls in the United States and the largest in the Western United States. Randy told the crowd that. Macerich is committed to being a good neighbor and citizen by being involved in each community in which it operates to make them a better place to live and work, as evidenced in the company's motto, "Make Good Things Happen".

Four seniors from Loyola High School students movingly shared with the audience their personal experiences as volunteers at the WISE Adult Day Service Center. Working with frail elderly and older adults suffering memory loss taught the students lifelong lessons, including that "wrinkles merely indicate where smiles have been".

Approximately 320 guests enjoyed an exciting silent auction and danced away the evening at the legendary Beverly Hills Hotel to the great entertainment of the Wayne Foster Band.

All proceeds from this event will benefit WISE Senor Services work to help older adults in our community lead lives of independence. Many members of our community share this vision of empowering the older adults in our lives and we are most appreciative for their support of this event.

36th Anniversary Celebration

WISE held its 36th Anniversary Celebration on May 14, 2004, recognizing those who have made a difference in the lives of seniors in Los Angeles. The Honorable Richard J. Riordan was presented with the "Man of the Year" award and First Federal Bank of California was awarded "Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year", which was accepted by Chairman and CEO Babette Heimbuch.

Former Los Angeles Mayor Riordan, now Secretary for Education of the State of California, was honored for his championship of the "Stop Senior Abuse" campaign and his personal commitment to increasing awareness of how to prevent, detect and prosecute crimes of abuse against the elderly.

"Every day, thousands of seniors suffer in silence at the hands of others. Often, they're too frightened or ashamed to seek help."

- Richard J. Riordan, Former Los Angeles Mayor
- July 1999

First Federal Bank of California has been actively involved in the communities it serves since 1929 and is a long supporter of WISE. First Federal's executives lead by example through their personal involvement in community service.

Brad Sanders, whose mother Mary is a client at the Adult Day Service Center, told of the challenges faced by family members of those with Alzheimer's disease. The audience was moved by Brad's comments about the love and care Mary receives from WISE. Eighty-five year old Ines Alcorn shared the difference that WISE has made in the quality of her life.

Approximately 325 guests enjoyed an exciting silent auction and danced away the evening at the legendary Beverly Hills Hotel to the great entertainment of the Wayne Foster band, with flashing wristbands that were provided each attendee adding an extra bit of fun to the evening.

All proceeds from this event will benefit WISE Senior Services' work to help older adults in our community lead lives of dignity and independence. Many members of our community share this vision of empowering the older adults in our lives and we are most appreciative for their support of this event.

Holiday Gift Baskets

Every December, WISE Senior Services delivers Holiday Gift Baskets to our senior clients. On December 8th 2003, children and their parents from Notre Dame Academy Elementary School delivered gift baskets to approximately 150 of our lower income clients. Each basket was worth about $100 and included items such as blankets, socks, writing paper and stamps, crossword puzzles, and electric footbaths.

The clients were very moved and touched by the love and care demonstrated by the parents and children who delivered the baskets. They were not only treated with a bountiful basket of items, but were treated to songs from the children and wonderful conversation. We've received numerous compliments and "thank yous" for WISE and the school. Many clients cried with joy that they were remembered and that the visitors spent quality time with them sharing in conversation and stories. The following is a sample of the responses:

" I cannot express to you how much this has meant to me"

"I am so grateful to be included"

"Although I always spend Christmas alone and have gotten use to it, this year will be the best. ......Now, all of you at WISE and this special school have added to my happiness and my spirit this year. I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Join us this year in making the holiday season this year brighter for some of our clients. Contact us at events@wiseseniors.org