CLEARLAKE, Calif. – An event benefiting the Highlands Senior Center's Meals on Wheels program will take place later this month.

“Rockin' to the '50s” dinner and dance happens Saturday, Sept. 21, at the center, 3245 Bowers Road in Clearlake.

Proceeds benefit the “Meals On Wheels,” program, which currently serves more than 100 homebound seniors daily.

The band “Southern Comfort” will rock the night away “and we'll dance until we drop,” said center Executive Director Linda Burton.

Fifties dress is optional but there will be a contest for best costume, best hair and best socks.

There also will be a silent auction, 50/50 raffle and the Lakeshore Lions will host a cocktail bar.

Burton said the program relies heavily on the community's support in light of federal funding cuts.

“We need community support now more than ever since sequester dropped our funding by 20 percent,” she said. “We are trying to deliver the meals and services that people need, in spite of the cut in funding.”

Burton said the program promotes better health through improved nutrition and reduced isolation.

Meals are delivered to eligible seniors Monday through Friday with frozen meals for the weekend and holidays available. She said more than 40,000 meals are delivered annually.

“Rockin' to the '50s” dinner and dance tickets are available at Bob's Vacuum, 4165 Mullen Ave. in Clearlake and at the Highlands Senior Center.

Dinner choices include roast beef or chicken, with all the trimmings for a donation of $30 per meal.

For more information call the Highlands Senior Center at 707-994-3051.

Email Denise Rockenstein at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .