“The gala was a fantastic success.”

— SSA executive director Mary Lee Anderson

A sellout crowd of more than 400 attendees filled the ballroom of the Westin Alexandria Old Town Hotel March 29 as Senior Services of Alexandria raised more than $185,000 at its annual gala celebrating 57 years of serving the City of Alexandria.

“The gala was a fantastic success,” said SSA executive director Mary Lee Anderson, who for the first time missed the evening after suffering a broken ankle due to a fall. “Thank goodness my staff is fantastic. The gala went perfectly. They are always so well organized and do a great job but this year they went above and beyond.”

The evening’s program highlighted SSA’s vital work in the city and honored individuals who have made a lasting impact on the lives of Alexandria’s older adults.

The 2025 honorees were Jack Fannon, Jane King and Col. Jim Paige (ret), who were recognized with the Community Service Award. Lucelle O’Flaherty was presented with the Community Spirit Award.

For the first time the annual silent auction was held virtually as bidders were able to bid either online or in person. A limited ticket raffle was held for tickets to see music icons Billy Joel and Sting perform at Nationals Park in September.

“Our virtual auction went smoothly,” Anderson said. “I think people really enjoyed that.

Presenting sponsor of the event was Benchmark at Alexandria

www.seniorservicesalx.or

Photos by Janet Barnett/Gazette Packet

Senior Service of Alexandria board chair Christine Friedberg, left, stands with the 2025 community service award honorees at the SSA Gala March 29 at the Westin Alexandria. Honored were Col. Jim Paige, Jane King, Jack Fannon and Lucelle O’Flaherty, who received the community spirit award.

SSA honoree and past board chair Jack Fannon, second from right, with his wife Kelly, sister Sarah Reevers and Debbie Sese.

Former City Councilwoman Del Pepper with Police Chief Tarrick McGuire and Mindy Lyle.

Staff of platinum sponsor Goodwin Living pose for a group photo at the 2025 SSA Gala March 29 at the Westin Alexandria.

Lawrence “Lucky” Elliott, Brenda Elliott, Sedella Brooks, Donnie Wintermute and Marshall Hespe.

Former City Councilman Frank Fannon and Marsha Dupree check out the silent auction.

Susan Kellom, seated, with Alex Crawford-Batt, Joe Swartz, Councilwoman Sarah Bagley, Councilman Kirk McPike, and Cele Garrett.

Sheriff Sean Casey with Kai Paige Williams and Carolyn Grimes.

Bettie Samuels, Maria Delpozzo, Irene Blair and Connie Cyre.

SSA board chair Christine Friedberg, right, with past board chairs Donna Shaw, Lynnwood Campbell, Donnie Wintermute, Jack Fannon, Maribeth Bersani, Carl Behnke, Mark Roth, and Barbara Anderson.

Susan Haskew, Karl Bach and Stephanie Spahlinger.

Past SSA board chair Donnie Wintermute and Jon Miller.

Chris Moore, Division Chief of Aging and Adult Services.