Staff Report

On the strength of its Hollywood Revisited benefit show, Solvang Rotary Club has donated $50,000 to the Solvang Senior Center’s campaign to build a new facility.

The show at Solvang Festival Theatre in May raised $41,000, and the Solvang Rotary Foundation approved an additional $9,000 to bring the total donation to $50,000.

More than 400 attended Hollywood Revisited, a evening of musical revue showcasing stunning, original costumes worn in Hollywood films. Guests listened to stories about the captivating costumes and the roles they played in the Golden Age with actors recreating those moments in song. Guests also enjoyed a silent and live auction, and a sumptuous Mexican dinner prepared by Atterdag Village of Solvang.

“I am proud of the tireless commitment our Rotary Club made to this event, and the decision to donate 100 percent of the proceeds to Solvang Senior Center,” said Linda Johansen, a Solvang Rotarian and event organizer. “Thank you also for the incredible support by club member Carol Anders.”

Club members spent countless hours planning the event with Ellen Albertoni, Solvang Senior Center’s executive director.

The Solvang Senior Center’s modular building is more than 30 years old. Plans are to build a larger, permanent facility to enrich the lives and meet the growing needs of the community’s aging population.

From its current building, the senior center provides support to 450 adults age 55 or older throughout the Santa Ynez Valley. Approximately 90 percent have low or fixed incomes, and two-thirds live alone.

The Solvang Senior Center is at 1745 Mission Drive, Unit A, behind the Solvang Veterans Memorial Building. For more information visit solvangseniorcenter.org or call 805-688-3793.