Sweetheart gala to thank volunteers for their service
-More than 1,000 volunteers to be honored as senior kings and queens are recognized-

Seniors who spent more than 165,000 hours serving their fellow seniors will kick up their heels and enjoy being served as the City celebrates their commitment and contributions.

More than 1,000 volunteers will be honored during the Comprehensive Nutrition Project’s Annual Sweetheart/Volunteer Recognition Dance scheduled for Friday February 22, 2008, in Exhibit Hall D at the Convention Center, 200 E. Market, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The annual event will include a procession of kings and queens representing each of the 80 City-sponsored senior nutrition centers. At 10:30 a.m., Rita Verreos will introduce all of the centers’ royal representatives. Verreos is an actress and runway model for Oscar de la Renta and Victor Alfaro and appeared in the movie Marked for Death and the reality television show Survivor Fiji. The former Ms. Venezuela presently lives in San Antonio and is a strong advocate for seniors. A luncheon and afternoon dance follows the pageantry.

Every year, the Department of Community Initiatives (DCI) recognizes its large contingent of volunteers who help keep the senior nutrition centers running smoothly by serving meals, cleaning and assisting with arts and crafts and other tasks. This year’s show of appreciation honors 1,445 seniors who contributed 168,468 volunteer hours.

All of the centers provide hot meals, recreational activities and a social environment five days a week for anyone aged 60 or over. A donation of 50 cents for the meal supports the overall program but is not required.
DCI’s Comprehensive Nutrition Project (CNP) manages the senior nutrition centers.

The City of San Antonio and the Alamo Area Council of Governments/Area Agency on Aging fund the CNP. For more information, call DCI’s Senior Services/Basic Needs Division at 207-7271.