Senior citizens across Cayman enjoyed a day of food, laughs, prizes and live music during the 58th Annual Boxing Day lunch held at the First Baptist Church Hall on Tuesday, 26 Dec.
More than 300 people attended the luncheon, “the largest number of folks that showed up in our 58 years of organising the event,” said Chris Bailey, president of organiser Rotary Club of Grand Cayman.
“The event starts at around 8am in the morning with volunteers showing up to pack over 900 bags of food, produce and personal items for the seniors to take away with them. These are generously donated by Foster’s and the Cayman Charity Farm amongst others. This year we had an army of Rotarians and friends show up to help pack the bags.”
Bailey said seniors showed up early to the event, but volunteers, including the Our Little Miss Queens, welcomed them in.
The sounds of samba and calypso music filled the hall from local musicians, Henry Leslie and Orvin Hernandez, as seniors were treated to a feast. Attendees were also treated to performances by Colin and Joan Wilson, Daphne Orrett and Nile Christine throughout the afternoon.
During the luncheon, Rotary members handed out raffle prizes and giveaways. Among the prize giveaways, Armine Topalian, 93, who hails from Armenia, was recognised as the oldest woman in attendance.
Henry B. Ebanks, 89, was the oldest man at the luncheon.
Cheers erupted with applause as Roy L. Bodden and his wife, Reva Bodden, held hands high in recognition of being the oldest living couple in attendance. They have been married for 67 years.
Roy L. Bodden told the Compass he’s been attending the luncheon for eight years now: “I enjoy the fellowship, seeing old friends, the food and overall the holiday season.”
Several seniors took to the dance floor to shake a leg or two as live music played.
Seniors walked away with goodie bags which included both food and personal items.
“The Rotary Club has been doing this event for 58 years and each year we get more requests to attend. The event is Caymankind at its root and brings together people for an amazing free meal, drinks and a shopping bag and food take away!”
For many it’s the highlight of their Christmas when family is not around, he said. “For us it’s a service project that brings so much joy and pulls together so many different parts of our community. We see the good and generosity in so many firms such as Webster’s tours who provide free buses to collect and bring our community together.”
As president of the rotary club, Bailey said he’s proud of what a small group of individuals can accomplish when they all work together to do something good for the community.
“There are so many people who make this event special. Each deserves recognition but that is not why they do it. We do it to see the smiles on the faces of our senior citizens enjoying a day out with family and friends. Thank you to everyone who helps make this happen.”
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