By Crystal Harrell
On December 8th, the “Very Ugly Kinda Sexy Sweater Holiday Party” will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the LEVEL ONE 11 Studios in Palm Springs. This hip holiday mixer is presented by California Authority on Aging Resources and Education Services, or C.A.A.R.E.S.—an agency dedicated to providing resources that respond to the needs of ageless individuals with medical, social, and economic disadvantages.
The dress code for the mixer is to don your best holiday sweater. Attendees who sport their seasoned apparel will get in to the mixer for free. Without a sweater, there is a 100-dollar entrance fee. Ugly sweaters will be available at the door with a donation at the event, all proceeds benefitting C.A.A.R.E.S.
“The mixer is to bring together the community for a fun event full of happiness. While bringing happiness, we want to continue spreading the word on the importance of the services we provide. In addition, we want to share how the community can help support those in need,” stated Rebecca Rizzo, the Creative Engineering Officer at R.IZZO STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS on behalf of C.A.A.R.E.S.
C.A.A.R.E.S. strives to make a difference in the community by supporting the leaders that contribute to the public’s way of life today: the aging population. The C.A.A.R.E.S. programs affect the lives of hundreds each year who are having issues with the progression of aging, disabilities, hunger, illness, loneliness, and substandard housing. The C.A.A.R.E.S family would like to contribute to caring for the aging, help protect their dignity, celebrate their achievements, and embolden their families/caregivers.
The Christmas Mixer will be specific to gaining resources to expand the Guardian Angel Program at C.A.A.R.E.S. This is a community-based program to assist chronically-ill individuals over 50 that require more support to live at home. Some of the services the Guardian Angel Program entails are courtesy checks, which includes visits from the nursing team for medication, symptom and pain management, a social worker to provide social support, and shower aides to help with personal hygiene. The program also includes daily wellness phone calls, a digital health system that has real time monitoring and reporting, and in-home quarterly therapy screen for safety. The goal of this program is to help relieve hospitalization by early detection and management.
“Guests can expect to have so much fun at the mixer for a great cause. We are presenting an opportunity for people to collaborate with prominent leaders in the Coachella Valley—spreading good will and building a stronger community. In addition, we have food, drinks, giveaways, and music,” expressed Rizzo.
The purpose of C.A.A.R.E.S. is to promote value in life, maintain independence, encourage confidence, foster spiritual well-being, reassure safety, and advocate for excellent and professional services. The agency strives to increase awareness by collaborating, educating. encouraging, and funding resources that meet the needs of a complex population, thus promoting health, preventing illness, enhancing the quality of life, and increasing years. C.A.AR.E.S. endeavors include preserving the functionality of the healthcare system by reducing cost, supporting healthcare workers, and maintaining the quality of care.
“I’m excited personally to attend because I believe in the mission and the importance of creating community. I’m excited to see the creative sweater designs that will be shared. I’m a creative that loves community,” stated Rizzo.
The support of the community is vital to the sustainability of C.A.A.R.E.S. and the capability to deliver its mission. No matter the size of the support, it goes to those in need, helping to build a stronger community. Community support allows the agency to provide services to those complexed individuals who may not otherwise have access.
“We love ugly sweaters when they are personally made. It is super cool to see the creativity and personality of the creator comes through in each sweater. I’m excited to decorate my sweater. I’ll be tacking on some locally sourced ornaments,” shared Rizzo.
Guests can RSVP for the “Very Ugly Kinda Sexy Sweater Holiday Party” on Eventbrite.com.
