Last year, Senior Concerns marked its 50th anniversary in the community.

This year, the Thousand Oaks–based orga nization is renewing its commitment to serving seniors in western Ventura and eastern Los Angeles counties—beginning with the organization’s Ultimate Dining Experience gala fundraiser March 14 at the Hyatt Regency Westlake.

Approximately 350 supporters attended the evening celebration for the private nonprofit, whose headquarters are at 401 Hodencamp Road provides affordable support services to seniors and their families through programs designed to promote independence, well-being and self-esteem. Its services include:

•Wellness and healthy aging: The Senior Concerns Adult Day Center offers stimulating programs and activities in a safe, nurturing setting for seniors with cognitive or physical impairments.

Through the organization’s longrunning Meals on Wheels program, freshly prepared, nutritionally balanced hot lunches and light evening meals are delivered to homebound seniors 365 days a year.

•Caregiver support: The center provides resources, education, support groups and respite services for family caregivers.

•Senior advocacy: A program that offers education, information and resources on Medicare, Social Security, housing, insurance and other senior-related issues.

Pro bono professionals also assist seniors with financial and legal matters.

“Our older adult population is growing, and more neighbors wish to remain in the homes and communities they love,” said Senior Concerns board chair Veronica Amici. “Aging in place is about dignity and independence, but it requires support.”

One of the organization’s most loved supporters, May Culbertson, was honored at last week’s gala in Westlake. Culbertson, a professional caterer who frequently donated meals and preparation time to Senior Concerns events, died in 2025 at age 69 after a battle with cancer.

“May Culbertson was a force of nature—full of life, energy, and just the right amount of sass,” said Andrea Gallagher, president and CEO of Senior Concerns.

“She was a talented caterer who loved bringing people together around great food, and for many years she generously supported Senior Concerns’ Ultimate Dining event,” Gallagher said.

“It’s wonderful to have someone like that in our community who steps up and gives and is such a warm, caring spirit,” a friend and supporter, Keets Cassar, told the audience.

Over its 50 years of service, Senior Concerns figures it has delivered more than 1.5 million meals to homebound seniors through its Meals on Wheels program, provided some 500,000 hours of care through its Adult Day Program, and conducted more than 300,000 one-on-one consultations with older adults in the region.

Gallagher said the annual Ultimate Dining event plays a vital role in supporting the organization’s work.

“Ultimate Dining is always special because it brings together great food, great people, and a shared commitment to helping older adults in our community,” she said. “The generosity in the room was inspiring.”

Gallagher says the organization’s mission moving forward is clear.

“Our mission in 2026 remains helping older adults and family caregivers live with dignity, independence and connection,” she said.

“The challenge ahead is that the need for services like Meals on Wheels and caregiver support continues to grow, while government funding is becoming less certain, which makes community support more important than ever.”

Presenting sponsors for last week’s event were Logix Federal Credit Union and Karen and Ed Jefferson.