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July 16
2018, NEW YORK, NY. — Lifeforce
in Later Years, also affectionately known as LiLY, is a
New York based non-profit that coordinates help from a
network of caring neighborhood volunteers and community
resources to help seniors age safely in their homes. LiLY
raised $187K from its 2018 Lily Legacies Gala on May
7th that was held at the Columbia University Low Library
Rotunda.
“I look forward to this gala every year as a
reminder of the courage and wonderful spirit of our oldest
seniors in our neighborhoods and how our communities can
support this spirit by helping them age safely and happily
right in the homes they love.” says Andrew
Jenkins, President of the LiLY Board.
Broadway star, and baritone singer, Norm
Lewis, who is best known for his roles in Porgy and
Bess, The Phantom of the Opera and recently as
Caiaphas in Jesus Christ Superstar was master of
ceremonies. He also delighted the audience when he
co-conducted the mission appeal paddle raiser with Vice
President of the Board, Audrey Wu. At one point, he
broke into song to reward guests for a substantial paddle
raise.
The evening opened with an exhilarating dance
number from a senior dance couple and a younger couple to
reflect the passing along of precious legacies. Senior
dancers Etta Dixon and Bernard Dove from the Harlem
Swing Dance Society and Gabriella Cook and Bobby
White impressed audience with their nimble Lindy Hop
moves.
Linda Fried, Dean
of Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health received
the inaugural Herbert Pardes Inspire Award and was
honored for her contribution to epidemiology and geriatric
health. Dr. Craig R. Smith, Surgeon-in-Chief,
New York- Presbyterian Hospital and Chair, Columbia
University Medical Center received the LiLY
Legacies Leadership Award for 2018 for his long and
outstanding achievement in cardiac-thoracic surgery.
The evening was highlighted by a concert by Peter
Yarrow, of the Peter Paul and Mary folk music trio. He
had people swaying on their feet with his homage to Pete
Seeger with If I Had a Hammer, and of course the
beloved, ageless song, Puff the
Magic Dragon.
Special thanks for the support from United
Health, New York-Presbyterian, Edward’s Life Sciences, and
Mount Sinai-St Luke’s.
Proceeds of the gala are used to fund the
social workers of LiLY’s neighborhoods and the programs.
LiLY was founded in 2009 by Irene Zola, Executive
Director, “We also need to remember that caring for elderly
seniors also helps families who do not live nearby and gives
them a welcome peace of mind. We’re looking forward to
expanding to more neighborhoods with our increased
funding.” The organization also produces a visibility
campaign each year that coincides with the International Day
of the Old Person, called Love an Elder Week. This no-fee-
for-seniors model has been recognized by many; the
organization and the Founder, Irene Zola, have been
recipient of numerous awards, including the CNN Hero and
AARP Inspire Award.
For more info or to donate online, please
visit
www.LilyLegacies.org
and www.L-i-l-y.org
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