Villages OKC will bring together community members, business leaders and civic leaders November 10 for a Fundraiser Luncheon, challenging traditional views of aging and exploring how communities can help older adults remain independent, engaged and connected.
The luncheon, themed “Redefining Aging: Because Purpose Doesn’t Retire,” begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club. Proceeds will support Villages OKC programs and services that help older adults throughout the Oklahoma City area find purpose, build relationships and contribute to their communities.
The program will feature three perspectives on the future of aging, beginning with Kip McElwee, the organization’s new executive director. McElwee brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in hospice, long-term care and health care operations. She will discuss Villages OKC’s current work, lessons learned and vision for expanding its community impact.
Barbara Sullivan, national director of the Village to Village Network that Villages OKC is part of, will offer a broader perspective on the Village Movement, a national effort to help older adults maintain independence and social connections through community-based support. Her presentation will explore how organizations like Villages OKC fit into a growing movement to rethink what it means to age well.
Lance Robertson, former U.S. assistant secretary for aging and administrator of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living, will moderate a conversation with McElwee and Sullivan. The discussion will connect national trends with local opportunities, examining the importance of purpose later in life and how businesses, civic leaders and community partners can help older adults thrive.
“The hope is this event will be a catalyst for future conversations and collaborations as Villages becomes more recognized as a strong community partner in reframing how Oklahoma views age,” said Julie Davis, program organizer.
Award-winning violinist Kyle Dillingham will provide musical entertainment. The luncheon also will include a presentation of the colors and a video celebrating Villages OKC’s history.
Organizers hope attendees leave with a clearer understanding of how purpose, independence and meaningful relationships contribute to healthy aging — and how the community can help make those opportunities more accessible. Davis pointed out that Villages OKC is committed to using private sector funding over government funds.
“We believe we need to find solutions that don’t burden our systems,” McElwee said. “Many corporations and organizations want to be part of the solution as do many individual Oklahomans. We have been conditioned to think of age and older adults as marginalized and frail, but the truth is there are far more that are living amazing lives and have so much more to contribute.”
Community members are encouraged to attend, become sponsors or make financial contributions. Support will help Villages OKC create opportunities for older adults to grow together, gather often and give back.
Registration and sponsorship information are available at https://villagesokc.org/aging-redefined.