22nd annual cash raffle benefits area seniors

POTTSTOWN >> The 22nd annual TriCounty Active Adult Center’s cash raffle has begun.

The grand prize drawing will be held on Aug. 31 at 6:00 p.m., and the grand prize winner will win $10,000 cash. In addition, there are seven additional cash prizes from $5,000 to $50.

“This is a great way for the community to support seniors in our community,” said Brian Parkes, executive director. “And of course, two lucky winners will split $15,000 in cash!”

Last year, Terry Smale won the $10,000 grand prize, and Lillian Nace won the $5,000 second prize.

Proceeds from the raffle will be used to support programs for older adults in the tri-county region. The Center offers more than 20 programs and services every day — everything from exercise programs such as Yoga and Tai Chi, to a free daily nutritious lunch, to support groups, to card games, and many, many more. Additionally, a staff member is available to help older adults choose and access health care benefits, and fill out the often complicated forms.

“Nearly 1,700 seniors every year stop by the Center, more than 160 every day,” said Parkes. “Many of our participants would be sitting home alone. Instead, they come to the Center to see their friends, socialize, exercise, play games, and receive the help they need to remain living independently.”

Social isolation for older adults is an ongoing problem, with researchers finding that loneliness is just as lethal as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Proper nutrition and food insecurity is another serious issue for older adults, whether caused by low income or a lack of desire to cook nutritious meals for themselves, instead opting for inexpensive convenience foods. The TriCounty Active Adult Center addresses both of these problems with a multitude of free social programs and a free daily lunch.

Cash raffle tickets are $10 each, or four for $30. Tickets may be purchased at the Center at 288 Moser Road, Pottstown (the former Pottstown Health Club), from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays.

Representatives from the Center will be selling tickets at upcoming community events.

The TriCounty Active Adult Center, formerly the Pottstown Area Seniors’ Center, serves adults age 50 and better with programs and services including information and referral assistance, a daily free lunch, exercise programs, social activities, and much more. The mission of the TriCounty Active Adult Center is to enhance the well-being of its members by providing services and activities that promote an independent and healthy life style. The TriCounty Active Adult Center has more than 2,500 members, and anyone living in the tri-county area (Berks, Chester and Montgomery Counties) who is 50+ years of age is welcome to attend the center.

Learn more at www.TriCountyAAC.org.