Press/Media Kit

Council on Aging’s May 7, 2010 Luncheon
Featured the Joys, Challenges of Aging

More than 400 people “celebrated successful aging” at Council on Aging – Orange County’s May 7 luncheon, held at the Irvine Marriott Hotel. The event raised funds and awareness for COA programs and featured poignant stories of love and dedication amidst the tableau of aging. Board Chairman Mike Stieger welcomed the audienc to the 5th annual luncheon which generated net proceeds of $165,000 thanks to full underwriting of event costs by key sponsors which included Hoag Community Medicine (Gold Sponsor). Hoag Board Secretary John Benner and Department of Community Medicine representative Cordula Dick-Muehlke, Ph.D. were recognized for the hospital’s dedication to the community. 

The event celebrated the aging process, but also served to educate attendees on the difficulties encountered by our community’s senior residents.

“Council on Aging has been there for my parents at the right place and the right time,” explained Lynne Logan, Ph.D. who lives 3,000 miles from her aging parents, Bonnie and Bob Exum.  For the past six years, Council on Aging’s volunteer ombudsmen have ensured that her father’s rights are protected as a nursing home resident. And the Council’s Friendly Visitors make visits and telephone calls to check on her mother who, like many seniors, lives alone without relatives in the area.  They have also provided financial support for her to make visits to her husband at the nursing home enabling “their 66-year love story to continue,” Lynne added.  The couple’s story and their subsequent passageway into their senior years was a touching highlight of the new COA video which debuted at the luncheon.

Philip Russell, a COA volunteer who helps seniors navigate the maze of Medicare and health insurance, was recognized for his efforts to see to it that Betty McGavran received the physical therapy that her doctor prescribed but which providers repeatedly denied. He took her case all the way to an Administrative Appeals Judge. Her case was not unique, said Julie Schoen, an attorney who directs the Council’s Elder Abuse Prevention department and who encounters a wide range of elder abuse problems. “I see the cracks in the system expanding,” she added, underscoring the importance of this facet of the Council’s varied work for Orange County seniors.

“Even the strong among us will need help during the aging process,” said Cheryl Meronk, the agency’s chief executive officer, “and Council on Aging will be here when you need us.”  She outlined how the number and needs of seniors will rapidly grow in the coming years particularly as Baby Boomers retire and face their own or their parents’ aging-related challenges.

A champagne toast was made at the VIP reception held shortly before the luncheon, where Ms. Meronk thanked the event’s other key event sponsors and supporters including: Parker Aerospace; Newman’s Own Foundation; Ed Arnold of KOCE; CalOptima; Care 1st Health Plan; CareMore Health Plan; First Foundation Advisors; Jacqueline Dupont, PhD – Irvine Cottages; Kisco Senior Living (Emerald Court); Linker Financial Group; Michael Bader, Esq., CPA; OC Register; Pamela Mokler, MS; ResCare HomeCare ; SCAN Health Plan ; Silverado Senior Living; St. Joseph Hospital; Walnut Village and Wells Fargo.

COA board member Jeremy Linehan challenged those in attendance to become “Life Preserver” pledge donors, or to contribute in other ways, by making a financial commitment that supports Council on Aging’s high-impact services.

And, linking the young generation with the old, the luncheon honored winners of the first-ever YouthArt Contest in which the Council invited local school-age children to illustrate what “Celebrate Successful Aging” means to them. Most painted colorful works featuring a special moment or memory with a grandparent.

The lunch menu featured grilled chicken on C obb salad and cheesecake rounds drizzled with strawberry compote.

For more information on Council on Aging – Orange County, call (714) 479-0107 or visit www.coaoc.org.

About the Council on Aging – Orange County
Our mission is to promote adult empowerment, prevent abuse and advocate for the rights and dignity of those experiencing health and aging challenges. Whether ensuring quality of life in licensed care facilities, providing support for independent living, counseling impartially on health plan benefits, protecting against financial elder abuse, or providing a friendly visitor to isolated and lonely individuals, the Council is dedicated to helping individuals maintain their safety, dignity, health and independence.