NEW ORLEANS – On Saturday, April 18, 2015, you can “Jump, Jive and Swing” at a gala to benefit the Lakeview Shepherd Center that has served area seniors for more than 38 years.
The event takes place at the Schoen's Mansion, 3827 Canal St., from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., and will feature music from the Pfister Sisters, a performance by the 610 Stompers and food and libations from local restaurants as well as a silent auction.
Lakeview Shepherd Center’s mission is to enable older adults to remain vital, independent, promote positive aging and celebrate senior wisdom and talent.
The Lakeview Shepherd Center, a 501c(3) corporation senior enrichment center located at 316 38th St., was founded in 1977 to serve the senior population of the Lakefront area in New Orleans. Over the years it grew to serve a large population of several hundred, with a full and part-time staff and dozens of volunteers.
National statistics show the population of those aged 65 and over has increased from 35 million in 2000 to 40 million in 2010. Approximately 4.5 million people live in Louisiana; 757,000 of them are elderly. Social Security constituted 90% or more of the income received by 35% of beneficiaries in 2009. 19% remain below the poverty line in Louisiana.
The center is a place of respite for the caregiver allowing a few hours of freedom knowing that their elder parent is being cared for in a positive, healthy environment. It also encourages interaction fostering friendships and mental and physical exercise through various activities. This creates wellness in body, mind and assists seniors in living a quality lifestyle.
In the past year the center has served more than 3,600 meals to seniors. LSC partnered with area attorneys to provide free legal services. LSC also partnered with LSUMC Dental School to assist seniors with low or no cost dental care. Lakeview Shepherd Center also collaborated with Junior League of New Orleans, Hike for Katreena and the Lakeview Civic Improvement Association to promote and improve the center.
In its original form the Lakeview Shepherd Center served the Lakefront area. Since hurricane Katrina flooded the entire area the Center now hosts members coming from Gentilly, Mid-City, New Orleans East, Metairie, Kenner and Harahan. The need for providing good programs has created a growing presence at the center. The Lakeview Shepherd Center continues to grow creating more need than ever for this program.
Individual tickets for “Jump, Jive and Swing” are $50 each ($35 for LSC Members), and can be purchased through PayPal on the Shepherd Center's donation page (just make a note in the PayPal form that your contribution is for the Gala).
You can also become a sponsor for the event at one of the following levels:
Al Hirt $1,000
Louis Prima $750
Boswell Sisters $500
Sweet Emma $350
