Senior News and Resources: Rosie's Senor Jamboree in Ardmore PA

Most of the clients in our elder law practice draft a will reciting a series of bequests to family and friends. Eventually the senior passes away, the estate winds through probate, the family receives the inheritance, and it is spent within four years.

A few friends and clients come up with innovative ideas similar to Rosie's Senior Jamboree in Ardmore, PA. A gentleman of modest means, who frequently played tennis in FDR Park in Philadelphia, serves as an example. Although he didn't have much money, he dreamed up the idea of leaving a few thousand dollars so his friends could have a tennis outing in his name after he was gone. The idea was an instant hit, and like Rosie's Senior Jamboree in Ardmore, it grew over the years. The gentleman's family helped by preparing food for the outing. His friends helped organize a "round robin" tennis tournament so players of every ability could participate. People not only donated food and helped set up and organize the event, but some even donated live entertainment! Everyone paid a modest amount to play in the tournament and attend the picnic, but the money was used to maintain and modernize the tennis courts in FDR park.The outing in his name became a tradition- a day of fun that went from dawn to dusk.

As a volunteer in the Professional Advisors' Network of the Philadelphia Foundation, a non profit "community chest," I have an opportunity to witness innovative approaches for leaving a legacy for charitable purposes. The wealthy among us might have a building at a college or university named after them, but almost anyone can establish a scholarship fund in their name. One friend from Conshohocken established his own private foundation to educate children living in his native country, India.

The notion of leaving a legacy in your name does not always involve a lot of money. Anyone with devotion and energy can invent and maintain an event like Rosie's Senior Jamboree in Ardmore. The jamboree is now in it's thirty fifth year, and the last one was on July 16th, 2014. Rosie Riley, a Lower Merion Dept. of Parks and Recreation employee, started the idea of a Senior Jamboree by having children in the park make colored place mats and fans for the local seniors. She brainstormed with others, and the event grew to include food, then entertainment. When this year's event took place last week, it was a day of free entertainment and food provided to seniors, and sponsored by several area businesses and volunteers. There were information booths, visits by local elected officials, and Rosie's friends and relatives also volunteered. Some photos of the event follow. A good time was had by all who attended.

Can you think of a non traditional legacy that you would want to leave in your name? If so, you might start planning today.

Stay well until the next post.

Bob Gasparro