Non-Profit Serving Seniors in Escambia County and Pensacola

Rat Pack Reunion raises over $140k for elders10/30/2017

The seventh annual Rat Pack Reunion fundraiser, hosted by Council on Aging of West Florida to increase awareness and support for senior programs in the area, raised approximately $146,000 this past Friday night. Almost 350 individuals attended the gala, which featured dinner, drinks, dancing, a "raise the paddle" fundraising segment and honorary videos and speeches from four community leaders. This year, those leaders were Marianne McMahon, Nels Offerdahl, John Peacock and Roger Webb.

The Rat Pack Reunion has become a popular staple of the black-tie social scene in Pensacola and attracts some of the area's most notable philanthropists, businesspeople and elected officials. Planning for the event takes place throughout the year with a dedicated committee and a fervent fundraising effort. The money raised locally from this event will be leveraged for an almost million-dollar impact across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties by helping fund programs like Meals on Wheels, The Retreat Adult Day Health Care Center, in-home services, and more.

"As it is every year, the Rat Pack Reunion was fun for the rats, entertaining for the participants, but most of all, impactful and life-changing for Council on Aging clients," said Charlie Switzer, Rat Pack committee co-chair. "The money raised at this event will directly help the most vulnerable elders living in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties."

Sponsoring at the $5,000 Golden Nugget level was Charlie & Fran Switzer, WEAR-ABC3, Ballinger Publishing, Cat Country 98.7, Ideaworks, Skopelos at New World, Collier Merrill, Jewelers Trade Shop, Home Instead Senior Care, The Kugelman Foundation, Pete Moore Automotive, Jim & Ann Neal, Ray & Valerie Russenberger, Richard McAlpin, Bo Carter, Roger Webb, John Peacock, Marianne McMahon, Nels Offerdahl, The Studer Foundation, Joe Durant, Emerald Coast Hospice, Levin Rinke Realty, Teri Levin, Escambia County Sheriff's Office, and Fabadashery.

Sponsoring at the $2,500 Flamingo level was John B. Clark, Hancock Bank, Tom & Katrina Pace, Levin Firm, and Riesberg Institute.

Sponsoring at the $1,000 Sands level was Aerocapital Flight Services, Stephen Simpson, Baptist Health Care, Capt. Flack & Kathleen Logan, Lamar Advertising, Lois Lepp, PA., Tom & Katrina Pace, Sammy's Management, Ed & Esther Turner, Valley Services, Mike Papantonio, and VITAS Healthcare.

For more information on the Rat Pack Reunion or to attend or support next year's event, contact Josh Newby at (850) 266-2507 orjnewby@coawfla.org

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