50+ Lifestyles

CASI’s 13th Annual Holiday Hat Bash

By Laura L. Kopp, MS
CASI President/CEO

A Party with a Purpose, Presented by Modern Woodmen, is Going Virtual for 2021!

As CASI celebrates its13th Annual Holiday Hat Bash: A Party with a Purpose, I find myself reflecting on the legacy of this event and the true meaning behind the party. In 2008, we received a letter from a client named Lenora thanking us for a Christmas gift she received from one of CASI’s Senior Advocates. Lenora shared that this was the only gift she received that holiday season as every member of her immediate family had long since passed away. Lenora also mentioned in her letter that since having a stroke three years prior, she found it difficult to get out of the house and stay connected to other people. She thanked her CASI Senior Advocate for taking the time to stop by every month as she was the only visitor Lenora ever received.

Lenora’s story is not unique. Our team at CASI hears similar stories every day from seniors facing their future alone. This type of isolation and its impacts on physical and mental health were felt a thousand times over the last 18 months as seniors faced the most significant senior health crisis of their lives with the advent of COVID. 97% of Iowans who have died as result of COVID-19 have been adults over the age of 50. Seniors remain at the highest risk of infection, severe
illness and death with COVID. Thus, many seniors have isolated themselves as a means of protection.

Our CASI Senior Advocacy team continues to serve many seniors who have not left their homes in over 18 months. The risks of COVID and this prolonged isolation have led to increased feelings of anxiety and depression. As we head into the holiday season, when these feelings become even more prevalent, the need for connection and support is paramount.

Although CASI’s Holiday Hat Bash is a major fundraiser supporting CASI’s overall mission, its primary purpose is to support the Senior Secret Santa program. This program, like a traditional Angel Tree program, is 100% focused on community seniors and ensures that close to 1,000 seniors at risk of being alone during the holidays, receive at least one gift from their wish list. And their wishes are not frivolous but basic necessities like pajamas, socks, blankets and slippers. CASI works with more than twenty businesses, organizations, and senior service providers to collect the names and wish lists of seniors in need. Together, through donations, proceeds from the Holiday Hat Bash and “Secret Santas” in our community, we have proudly helped more than 15,000 older adults find joy and connection over the past 12 holiday seasons.

COVID has again caused us to host our “party” virtually. Our 13th Annual Holiday Hat Bash will be in the form of an online auction. While we miss the in-person event, we know that a virtual event also offers us the opportunity to reach more people through social networking. We hope you will join us November 10th – 18th, and that you will share this invitation with those you know who love a senior, and a great auction. Visit www.HolidayHatBash.comto view all things Hat Bash and support the Quad Cities premier Senior Center! With questions or to donate to CASI or the Senior Secret Santa program, please call CASI at 563.386.7477 ext. 229.

Laura L. Kopp, MS is President/CEO of CASI, located at 1035 W. Kimberly Road, Davenport, IA 52806. For information call (563) 386.7477 or email info@CASIseniors.org.