After many hours of volunteering throughout the Naperville community, Gary Leavenworth came to the conclusion that more could be done for the senior citizens of our society. Gary’s love of music inspired him to create an afternoon of free entertainment called Singing For Seniors.

To reach this goal, a committee of volunteers was assembled and community leaders were enlisted. Through contacts at the YMCA, insurance coverage was secured and through contacts in the business community, financing was obtained to help defray costs. Gary’s enthusiasm continued to build support for the event within the community.

Presenting the entertainment at no cost was vital because many seniors live on fixed incomes. To keep costs at a minimum, Gary convinced the performers to waive their fees. Today performers vie for the opportunity to be a part of this special event.

Another of Gary’s goals was to ensure that any senior in Naperville who wanted to attend Singing for Seniors would be able to do so, that no one would be turned away. To achieve this, the committee decided to offer free transportation to all seniors in need. To accomplish this they recruited volunteers to provide rides to seniors to and from the event and coordinated that effort. In 2006 the planning committee received at least 30 ride requests, all of which were fulfilled.

To raise awareness, the committee orchestrated the publicity efforts. They designed a logo to be identified with the event and used it in newspaper ads and mailings to nursing homes, churches and senior citizen organizations. They also dropped in on senior bingo games and nursing home lobbies and handed out flyers for the event.

At the start of the first annual concert Gary Leavenworth dedicated the event to the seniors in thanks for all that they have done for the rest of us over the years. He went on to express his intention to provide this event for seniors on an annual basis and looked forward to celebrating its 25th anniversary. This year the committee is planning the 8th annual Singing For Seniors concert.

Senior citizens in Naperville can now look forward to a free annual concert with performers selected just for them. The committee has seen to it that all their needs have been met. Those who need transportation receive it. The concert is held in a facility with easy access for seniors and handicapped individuals. The 90-minute show is on a Sunday afternoon so that all attendees are home before dark, in time for dinner!