Council on Aging to host Christmas on the River

The Council on Aging (COA) will be hosting “Christmas on the River,” a festive kick-off to the holiday season at River House in downtown St. Augustine on Sunday, Nov. 24 from 5 to 8 p.m. Guests are invited to enjoy wine tasting from Carrera Wine Cellar, sumptuous hors d’oeuvres by d’Vine Cuisine, beer, wine, live music and shopping —  all in a spectacular waterfront setting.  All proceeds will benefit Care Connection, a COA program which provides multiple services that support seniors in maintaining their independence.

“Providing these services to our seniors is crucial to their independence and their happiness,” Becky Yanni, COA’s Executive Director, explained. “I can’t think of a better way to bring the community together during the holiday season than in support of such a worthy cause.”

In addition to showcasing wreaths, trees and holiday décor, the event will feature local artisans showcasing unique gifts, jewelry, art and housewares.  Guests will get a head start on their holiday shopping with vendors including Carrera Wine Cellar, Copperhead, Denise Gray Jewelry, Hands For Hope, Jackie Hird Photography, Judy Reyes, Mary Ann Miller, Miss Robin’s Jewelry, Pockets of Sage and the Perky Pelican Christmas shop.

The Flagler College cheerleaders will continue their tradition of overseeing the merriment, while Ed Matlin coaxes beautiful American standard melodies from the piano and vocal group Vivace entertains with holiday carols. 

COA’s Care Connection program, which will benefit from the event, supplies crucial services that many elderly adults need to continue to remain in their own homes enjoying their independence.  From minor home repairs, lawn services, energy assistance and prescription services, to the construction of wheelchair ramps, most of these services are not covered by current funding sources.  These services help make the difference between being able to remain comfortably at home, or being forced to enter assisted living.  The program is 100% donor funded and almost entirely powered by generous volunteers from the community.

“Christmas on the River allows us to do the work we do,” explained Michael Large, the program’s coordinator. “The holidays are a great time to offer a helping hand to our community’s seniors – and this event will benefit them all year long.”

Tickets are $60 per person until Nov. 4 and $65 per person after. Visit COA’s website at www.coasjc.org, or call (904) 209-3700 to purchase tickets.  A range of sponsorship opportunities are available to support the event from the $250 Ruby level to the $1,000 Diamond level.  All sponsorships include numerous recognition opportunities and tickets to the event. Contact COA’s Sandy Hollett for more information at (904) 209-3700 or shollett@coasjc.org.

Christmas on the River will be hosted Nov. 24 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Riverhouse.