Author John U. Bacon to be featured speaker at Big Hearts for Seniors fundraiser

Ann Arbor event focusing on love stories

Attendees during the 2023 Big Hearts for Seniors storytelling performances. (Big Hearts for Seniors | University of Michigan Health Department of Community Health Services)

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Listen to tales of love and laughter during this year’s Big Hearts for Seniors fundraiser at the Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre.

Happening on Thursday, May 30, the event raises money for Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels, Housing Bureau for Seniors, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and three other senior services in Washtenaw County.

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Author John U Bacon will be the event’s featured storytelling, and will join five other community speakers in sharing stories of love and devotion.

“My dad passed away in December at 91, and my mom is in memory care at 89. So we’ve been taking care of our parents for a while, and we know how important community support and excellent resources are,” Bacon said.

“In my talk, ‘A Boy and His Dad,’ you can probably guess the subject! I’ll be telling a couple stories about my dad, who was a funny and sweet man, much missed -- but still with me, even more than I expected, on a daily basis.”

University of Michigan professor of health behavior and health education Dr. Vic Strecher will emcee the evening.

“Our theme, ‘Big Hearts for Seniors: Love Stories’ underscores our commitment to providing essential services for older adults in Washtenaw County, ensuring their physical, social, and emotional well-being. We’re grateful for the community’s support as we strive to help seniors age with grace, dignity, and the ability to remain in their homes,” said Director of Community Health Services Alfreda Rooks.

In addition to local stories, participants at the event can bid on more than 100 items during a silent auction. Storytellers will join attendees for coffee and to chat after storytelling performances.

The auction will run from May 23-30.

General tickets cost $35 and can be bought online through May 20. VIP passes cost $100 and include early access to the event, parking costs, drink tickets and snacks.

Check out http://michmed.org/bhsevent for details.


About the Author

Sarah has worked for WDIV since June 2018. She covers community events, good eats and small businesses in Ann Arbor and has a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics from Grand Valley State University.

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