Oct. 29, 2025

PRESS RELEASE

Senior Friendship Centers Alumni Association 
Launches South County Chapter

Senior Friendship Centers is expanding its Alumni Association into South County and recently hosted an introductory gathering at its Venice campus. The Alumni Association was launched in North County in spring of 2024. Its roster of more than 100 members includes past and current staff members, board members, supporters, volunteers and community stakeholders.

Senior Friendship Centers President and CEO Erin McLeod spoke on the organization’s history in South County and the importance of its community stakeholders. She shared updates on the Venice campus and the vital importance of those who support the mission of the organization.

Alumni Co-chair Georgann Nugent stated that by becoming part of the Alumni Association, members help to ensure that the values of compassion and friendship extend beyond the walls of Senior Friendship Centers. Alumni play a unique role, as a bridge between the organization’s mission and the senior community. The North County Alumni service project volunteers are currently working on is digitizing 53 years of the organization’s photos, videos and newspapers, to be stored at the Sarasota Historical Museum, with a archival link on the Senior Friendship Centers website. Next, alumni ambassadors will support the annual Senior Friendship Centers “Showboxes for Seniors” holiday gift bags delivery to homebound seniors.

“At Senior Friendship Centers, we believe that joy, connection and a sense of belonging are essential for people of all ages,” said Chief Advancement Officer Declan Sheehy. “That is why the creation of our Alumni Association – South County Chapter is such an exciting milestone. The Alumni Association is more than a group of supporters. It is a community of ambassadors who carry forward the spirit and mission of Senior Friendship Centers.”

For more information on the Alumni Association, view details on the SFC website at https://friendshipcenters.org/alumni-association/ or contact Georgann Nugent at Alumni@friendshipcenters.org for more information. With an annual Alumni membership fee of $25, members enjoy social gatherings, educational seminars and volunteer service projects. Alumni activities in North County include the BeWell! Health & Wellness Lecture Series, “Navigating Personal Wellness within the Healthcare System,” on Nov. 4, which is open to the public. Alumni and Friends are also celebrating “50 Years of Rock n’ Roll” at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and the public is invited to purchase tickets. For information on events, visit the special events calendar on the Senior Friendship Centers website at https://friendshipcenters.org/special-events/.