For Generations Center staff and volunteers, there is one event they look forward to all year.
The annual ice cream social and luau is not only a fun event for participants, but is an important fundraiser for senior home meal delivery programs and other in-home services.
“We appreciate our followers that come along every year. It’s for everybody. We dance, we have a lot of fun,” Liz Ashcraft, Generations Center Advisory Council member, said.
She, along with other Advisory Council members, organizes the event annually, which typically raises about $500. Past socials have included Elvis impersonators and the limbo.
“We’re here for the seniors, and we would love to have more seniors join us,”¿Ashcraft said.
Although seniors are encouraged to attend, the event is open to anyone in the community. Generations Center Director Julie Woosley said seniors often use it as an opportunity to bring their grandchildren with them to the center, or show community members the services seniors are provided.
Willard Ritchie, who regularly attends Generations Center programs, has made the ice cream for the event for the past 12 years. He learned the skill specifically for the social, and likes to keep his recipes a secret.
“He will not give anybody his recipe,” Ashcraft said.
Ritchie said he plans to make about 15 gallons of vanilla and strawberry, with each batch taking about two hours to complete.
The event will be from noon to 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3, at the Generations Center, 32 Meadow St. Tickets are $4 and can be purchased in advance from Advisory Council members, or purchased at the door. Tickets include a serving of homemade ice cream and a sampling of different homemade cakes.
Contact Rachel Gilliam at rparsons@winchestersun.com.
