Milton Council on Aging raises $15,000 for programs with revived Fit for Life Walk
MILTON – Mimi McGrath headed out of the Milton Senior Center on Saturday morning, her arms wrapped around a large gift basket for her husband, Tom.
"It's a tool box and it's full of good things," McGrath said. She won the raffle basket with $10 worth of tickets.
Not only did McGrath bring home a surprise, she had just done herself a favor as well by walking 3 miles in the council on aging's Fit for Life fundraising event.
The event, which is the council's major fundraiser of the year, was held for the first time in five years, hosted by Milton Boot Camp and Maureen Conlon. Participants paid from $20 to $35.
While the forecast for rain had raised a few eyes skyward, there was only a light drizzle during most of the three route choices – 3-mile, 1-mile and a loop around the senior center parking lot.
Some 200 people turned out to support the council on aging, including elder affairs police officer Patty Mandeville. Senior center director Christine Stanton and outreach coordinator Kate O'Brien were beaming.
More than $15,000 was raised.
The money will be used to expand the council's programs and services. The transportation fund provides older adults with rides to medical appointments, grocery shopping and other activities.
The money will also help pay for classes, entertainment and holiday lunches.
"We have a big push on to socialization," O'Brien said, noting that the pandemic had left many feeling isolated in their homes. "We are planning a tremendous amount of health and wellness programming."
On Wednesday mornings at 11, a new six-week series, "Let's Make Music," will explore how music and movement can reduce stress and build overall mental health and a sense of community. Music therapist Rachel Davis is leading the series through Nov. 16; the sponsor is Beth Israel Deaconess-Milton Hospital.
While the chance to walk a safe route in the center of town with friendly people was a big draw, so was the chance to win one of the 22 raffle baskets. Stanton, O'Brien, outreach worker David Higgins and Barbara Levy worked with local vendors who donated the goods.
Another basket winner was Roxanne Musto, a nurse practitioner who is a member of both the select board and the board of health. Her large basket, carried out by her son Michael, held an assortment of wines and specialty foods.
"This is all for a great cause and really important," Musto said.
This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Milton seniors raise $15,000 at Fit for Life walk to boost programs
