LOWER LAKE, Calif. – A fundraiser pizza party to benefit Elder Day Services will take place on Wednesday, April 29.

The dinner will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at DJ's Pizza, 16135 Main St., Lower Lake.

The donation is $8 per person. There also will be a 50/50 raffle at 7:15 p.m.

The goal of the fundraiser is to provide 50 scholarships to those in need who cannot afford the Elder Day Services program.

Elder Day Services' purpose is to delay institutionalization of individuals with memory and/or physical loss, to provide respite for caregivers and to increase socialization for participants.

Caregivers also are given an opportunity to attend support groups and educational classes sponsored by The Redwood Caregivers Resource Center.

The groups and classes are open to anyone who is caring for or has cared for someone with a cognitive impairment. They do not need to have a loved one in the program.

A typical day at the center includes the friendship circle, where participants have a hot drink and a light breakfast while they share past and present memories, play word games or work on puzzles. There also is an exercise program led by the activity therapist.  

Participants, staff and volunteers enjoy a well-balanced lunch each day. Afternoons are spent participating in sing-a-longs, craft projects and games such as poker, bingo or dominoes.

The cost of the program is $35 per day and they offer scholarships to people who cannot afford the program.  This is very cost effective when compared to the cost of nursing home placement at $165 or more a day.

Programs are offered from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in Clearlake, on Thursdays in Lucerne and on Fridays in Middletown.

For more information and tickets please call event coordinator Pete Johnson at 707-489-6366.