A bus full of seniors was escorted in by service members and local young professionals on Dec. 6 to celebrate the holiday season with a senior dance and catered dinner at the Oklahoma History Center.

The fourth annual event was hosted by the United Way of Central Oklahoma’s Emerging Leaders group. Emerging Leaders, a United Way of Central Oklahoma affinity group, provides young adults aspiring to become leaders of tomorrow the opportunity to network with community leaders, United Way Partner Agency directors and give back to the community.

“The senior dance is a great opportunity for our Emerging Leaders to recognize the generations before them that paved the way for their success,” said Debby Hampton, United Way of Central Oklahoma president and CEO. “Everyone that attends enjoys the magic of the holiday season. Our Emerging Leaders absolutely love this event and spending time with the seniors.”

Seniors from Trinity Gardens, Villa Isenbart, St. Katherine Drexel Retirement Center in El Reno, Urban League and Suberbia were treated to gifts, a meal and a dance floor with live music. For many of those that attend, this event is an evening that they look forward to all year.

“I’ve been to three of the Emerging Leaders’ senior holiday dances,” said Duke Nix, Trinity Gardens resident. “This was the best to date. I had so much fun dancing and really enjoyed interacting with the Emerging Leaders. It was a special night for everyone.”

If you are interested in becoming a United Way of Central Oklahoma Emerging Leader, please email emergingleaders@unitedwayokc.org or call (405) 236-8441.

About United Way of Central Oklahoma

United Way of Central Oklahoma researches human needs within the communities of central Oklahoma and directs resources to accountable health and human services agencies to meet those needs by improving the health, safety, education and economic well-being of its most vulnerable citizens. The organization received the 2016 Charles Schusterman Award for Excellence from the Center for Nonprofits as the state’s top nonprofit organization. For more information about United Way of Central Oklahoma, please visit www.unitedwayokc.org or call (405) 236-8441.