Fundraiser to benefit low-income seniors

By ERIC LINDBERG — Feb. 21, 2009

A special fundraiser featuring pioneering entertainment reporter Rona Barrett will take place next week to benefit low-income seniors living at Garden Court, an affordable housing facility in Santa Barbara.

Funds raised at the event, which includes a live auction, silent auction, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and wine, will go to the Garden Court Endowment. Organizers said the fundraiser, dubbed “Talking About My Generation,” will help local seniors live independently by providing grants for housing and support.

“Garden Court is a wonderful community that goes above and beyond the call of duty to provide the best quality of life possible for frail, low-income seniors,” Barrett said in a prepared statement. “I am honored to assist this outstanding organization in its efforts to help local seniors.”

Barrett is serving as the honorary co-chair for the fundraiser, which also honors Chuck Slosser, former president and CEO of the Santa Barbara Foundation.

She began her career as an entertainment reporter in Hollywood in 1957 and began developing the first in-depth television specials about celebrities, paving the way for the industry of entertainment reporting.

Later in her career, Barrett created her own foundation to raise funds to help low-income seniors receive high-quality assisted living care.

“We are so very grateful to have Rona Barrett as our ‘Talking About My Generation’ honorary event chair,” Tim Durnin, executive director of Garden Court, said in a statement. “Ms. Barrett is working tirelessly to address the critical challenges of the most underserved seniors across our country. We are thrilled she is turning her attention to help our very own residents achieve the best quality of life possible.”

Tickets to the fundraising event, which will take place at the Canary Hotel from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, are $100 and can be obtained by calling 884-0095. More information on the event and Garden Court is available at www.gardencourt.org.

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