Directions in Independent Living Upcoming Events
Directions in Independent Living Upcoming Events
Fostering Community & Support: DIL to Host a Number of Fundraisers
Photos / Direction in Independent Living, INC
Everyone likes to get out, right? Even more so now that the weather has turned sunny and warm. And everyone likes to support a good cause… so what about doing both at the same time? Directions in Independent Living, located at 512 W. State Street in Olean, NY, has organized some great upcoming events (including golf and a wine walk - not at the same time, of course.) ellicottvilleNOW spoke with Agency Development Director Keith Adkins about what their events support and what can be expected heading into summer and through the fall of 2023.
“At Directions in Independent Living, our team is dedicated to fostering a sense of community and support,” Adkins explained. “We believe in the power of collaboration and creativity, which is why we work closely with our staff, volunteers, and local partners to develop exciting and engaging events. By listening to the needs and interests of the communities we serve, we can create events - like the Golf Scramble and Wine Walk - that not only raise funds for our programs but also bring people together for a good cause.”
WINE WALK
And good causes they are! The 2nd Annual Wine Walk is set for Saturday, May 20th from 1:00-4:00pm down Union Street in Olean. This is an event that you must pre-register for, so be sure to sign up soon, at www.oleanilc.org/events.html (must be age 21 or older). Each participant will receive a wine tasting glass with the purchase of their ticket. Each vendor or business will offer two tastings at each location. (Please note that you must finish your tasting and rinse your glass at each stop as you cannot walk away from a booth with an open container.) Some booths will be offering up hors d’oeuvres and others will have discounts, coupons or specials available. Pick up your bracelet, passport, and wine glass at the table in Lincoln Park starting at 12:30pm. Wine will be served starting after 1:00pm.
GOLD SCRAMBLE
The Annual Charity Golf Scramble returns on June 9th at the Allegany Hills Golf Course. Registration starts at 8:00am; the cost is $75 per player or $300 for a team of four. Golfers of any experience level are welcome to join in and have a day full of friendly competition and fun to support a great cause. Last year’s event was a huge success, thanks to the amazing support from their sponsors, participants and the Ischua Valley Country Club. This year's Charity Golf Scramble promises to be another fantastic event, and they look forward to seeing you on the green. To register or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Caitlin Metler at cmetler@oleanilc.org.
WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND
So what great cause are these events supporting? Why is it so important to attend? Adkins advised, “Our events are important to attend for several reasons. Firstly, they help raise crucial funds to support the vital programs and services offered by Directions in Independent Living. These programs aim to enhance the lives of people with disabilities, and by attending our events, participants directly contribute to their success. Secondly, our events are unique to the area because they combine entertainment with a sense of purpose. We strive to create enjoyable experiences that promote inclusivity, raise awareness about disability issues, and foster a sense of community.”
There are also plans in the works for even more events as 2023 moves along. “While we are currently focused on the success of our Golf Scramble and Wine Walk events, we are always exploring new ideas and opportunities for future events,” Adkins stated. “At this time, we do have a Walk Ride Run fundraiser event planned that we do with the local schools for September, and also our 3rd annual Warm Drive in December where we collect hats, mittens, gloves, and scarves for our local folks that might be in need of them for our brutal winters. We hope to plan more events later in the fall, and we encourage everyone to stay tuned for updates by following our social media channels and checking our website for announcements.”
Adkins finished with, “I just want to close out with a thank you. To the community, we'd like to express our gratitude for your ongoing support and involvement. Your participation in our events and generosity make a significant difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. We encourage you to continue to engage with Directions in Independent Living and invite your friends, family, and colleagues to join us at our events. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive community for all.”
Thank you, Keith, for taking the time to speak with us and for sharing such great details on your upcoming events. To keep up to date on what’s happening at Directions of Independent Living or to sign up for any of their events, visit www.oleanilc.org.
