NU-HOPE Elder Care Services kicked off its 50th anniversary celebration with a heartwarming Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner that brought together over 145 seniors at the Jack Stroup Civic Center on Thursday, November 14th.

The event, co-sponsored by Duke Energy, was a testament to the enduring community spirit that has supported NU-HOPE since its founding in 1975. The day was filled with smiles, laughter, hugs and even dancing.

Local dignitaries and community leaders played a starring role, volunteering as servers to make the day extra special. Among them were members of local government, law enforcement, area businesses, and United Way volunteers. Their friendly smiles and attentive service made every senior feel honored and cared for.

Adding an extra dose of fun to the festivities were two NU-HOPE staff members, Donna Lyle and Jason Murphy, who donned turkey costumes and delighted the crowd as “Waddles” and “Tacky Turkey.” The dynamic duo strutted, danced, and greeted guests, spreading laughter and joy throughout the event.

“This was such a wonderful day,” said Mary, one of several attendees from the same senior complex. “The food was delicious, the music was great, and seeing those turkeys dancing had everyone laughing. It really felt like a celebration of the whole community.”

The meal featured a traditional Thanksgiving feast with roasted turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, and pie. Live entertainment by Rick Arnold kept spirits high, with many seniors clapping along and reminiscing about holiday seasons past.

For NU-HOPE, the event marked not just a seasonal celebration but also a preview of its upcoming 50th anniversary. “As we prepare to celebrate 50 years of serving Highlands County, this dinner highlights what NU-HOPE is all about: bringing people together and supporting our seniors,” said Debbie Slade, Executive Director of NU-HOPE.

Attendees also had the opportunity to learn about NU-HOPE’s vital programs, which include home-delivered meals, caregiver support, homemaking assistance, and emergency energy aid for seniors in need.

As NU-HOPE approaches its milestone anniversary, events like the Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner serve as a reminder of its unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of older adults. The laughter, full plates, and community connection made this year’s dinner a resounding success and a fitting prelude to the celebrations ahead.

For seniors in Highlands County, the message was clear: they are deeply valued and cherished by their community, and NU-HOPE will continue to be there for them for years to come.