50+ Lifestyles

15th CASI Holiday Hat Bash

By Gwen Tombergs
Chair of CASI’s 2023 Hat Bash

Fifteen years ago, a letter from a senior whose only Christmas gift was delivered by a CASI staff member spurred a movement. Lenora never knew how she impacted thousands of seniors who needed Christmas gifts and low-income senior services. Her letter (see below) inspired the Hat Bash to be created in 2009.

Starting out as just an event to make sure seniors got a Christmas gift, the Hat Bash has evolved into much more. This year the funds we will raise are critical for CASI to maintain providing much-needed services after funding cuts this spring. Not only will we continue with the holiday gifts, but part of the proceeds will support CASI’s Senior Advocacy program, provided free to all seniors, and Jane’s Place Adult Day Service. This is Iowa Quad Cities’ only adult service center. A strong senior center like CASI is critical for our community and the families who need these resources. 

One thing we all know is we can’t stop Father Time. We will all age and need each other to help along the way. Some of us are fortunate to have family and friends to help which is great, but for those who don’t have that support, CASI will be there. I know when we were researching services for my mother, I spent hours trying to get her help before joining CASI as a volunteer and then board member. I am passionate about senior services and making sure every senior is taken care of.

So, thank you, Lenora, for showing us the power of the pen. We promise to continue to enrich the lives of seniors because of you.

Join us for the 15th CASI Hat Bash by going to HatBash.com.