Friends on the Harbor 2023 Fundraising Gala
When:
Thursday, Sep 21, 2023 6:00p -
8:30p
Thursday, Sep 21, 2023 6:00p -
8:30p
Where:
Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor
101 Harborside Dr.
Boston, Massachusetts 02128
Admission:
$125
Hosted by:
Categories:
Business & Professional, Social Good
Event website:
https://lbfeboston.org/friends-on-the-harbor-2023/
The need for social connectedness has never been greater and your company can be part of one of the solutions! Since 1979, LBFE Boston | Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly’s mission has been to end elder loneliness and isolation in Boston. Our programs offer social engagement opportunities, digital literacy, and creative arts classes to hundreds of older adults in public and affordable housing and senior centers each year. Here, they connect with local students, enjoy activities together, share life experiences and skills, learn from one another, and grow mutually beneficial, joyful intergenerational friendships.
The nationwide epidemic of social isolation impacts all generations. The US Surgeon General’s recent report on the lack of social connection tells us:
- 1 in 3 US adults aged 45+ feel lonely
- 26% & 29% increased risk for premature death and heart disease, respectively
- 32% & 50% increased risk of stroke and developing dementia, respectively
- Only 16% of Americans feel attached to their local community
In Boston, 35% of older adults (60+) live alone, 41% live at or below the poverty line, and 17% are linguistically isolated. With your help, according to research, young and old alike who build social connections and networks can boost their lifespan by 50 percent and describe 1) an increased sense of purpose and well-being; 2) sharing experiences and skills; 3) feeling confident and appreciated, and 4) gaining stronger communities by combatting stereotypes and ageism.
Towards that end, we hope you will join us at our 2023 gala, Friends on the Harbor, on September 21, 2023. In 2022, LBFE Boston had a great impact:
- Offered programs in 30 public/affordable housing buildings and senior centers
- Connected 600 older adults with 125 students
- Partnered with five local colleges & high schools’ service-learning and community engagement departments
- Hosted classes in 13 Boston neighborhoods in nine languages
- Gave 65 free Chromebooks & hotspots to older adults, along with 128 tech training and learning hours to bridge the digital divide
Together, we can do MORE and reach more isolated older adults! Everyone deserves friendship and to be connected with family and their communities.
