United Way of Miami-Dade’s millennial giving community, LINC, recently hosted a Senior Prom that wasn’t for high school students … it was held for the older adults from Southwest Social Services. The heartwarming event reunited older adults with LINC volunteers for a fun-filled event that honored the traditional senior prom happenings — with a twist.
Volunteers and abuelitos enjoyed dancing, dominoes, pastelitos and cafecito. Interactive activities included building corsages and boutonnieres, health screenings by Baptist Health South Florida, a makeover station by Macy’s, a dress-up booth and perfume bar by Perry Ellis International and even a photo booth, for some stellar after photos.
“As a child, I spent most of my time at my grandparents’ house,” says Jorge L. Fernandez of TD Bank, “being taught different things for school or life in general, so I have always been extremely grateful for the senior figures in my life.” The LINC member and emcee of the festivities continues, “Our seniors teach us where they have been so we can determine where we need to go.”
So many LINC members felt the same way about the older adults in our community. More than 100 older adults participated at the Senior Prom — and fun was had by all.
“One of the greatest joys in life is making someone smile,” says Nicole Acosta of MBAF, a LINC member and volunteer at the event, “and witnessing all the happy faces at LINC’s Senior Prom was reassurance of the importance of giving back and motivation for all the challenges we’ve yet to tackle for our senior community.”
You can view photos of the LINC Senior Prom here.
The event was sponsored by AARP, Perry Ellis International and TD Bank, with media sponsor NBC Universal and Telemundo Enterprises.
A special thanks to our in-kind sponsors:
Baptist Health South Florida
Café La Llave
Cao Bakery
Galleria Farms
Macy’s
Mrs. Wonderful Cakes
Simply Healthcare Plans