LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The second annual Senior Summit will be held on June 23 at the Konocti Vista Resort and Casino in Lakeport.

The all-day event will include a keynote speaker, inspirational senior awards, lunch, vendor booths and several workshops. The public is invited.

Last year, the event attracted a crowd of more than 250. The event is free to seniors age 62 and above. All others will pay only $10 to attend. Details on how to register will be announced at a later date.

With the addition of a logo – designed by local award winning photographer Ron Keas – and achievement of federal tax-exempt status, the Silver Foundation is moving full speed ahead.

Keas, one of last year’s Inspirational Senior Award Winners, said, “Seniors are a growing population here in Lake County and many rely on support services for their nutritional and special care needs. I was pleased to be asked to create the logo that will brand the foundation’s work.”

Last year, when the inaugural Senior Summit took place, the foundation was just getting started, said founder Jim Steele.

“We developed by-laws, formed a board of directors and submitted the necessary paperwork to the state and federal government to form a nonprofit organization. We announced the plan at the summit. I am pleased to report that we are now officially tax exempt,” Steele said.

The foundation was created to raise funds to help fill the gaps existing at local senior centers and other nonprofits that support programs for Lake County’s seniors and elders.

“Tax exempt status is essential to building a base of contributors and supporters and requesting angel donations, grants and endowments,” said Steele.

“With the completion of our facility expansion, we are happy to be a part of an effort that both highlights the contributions of our elders and seniors bringing information and resources on a day expressly dedicated to them,” said Tribal Chairman Anthony Jack, the venue host for this year’s summit said.

The inaugural Senior Summit was well received by the senior citizens of Lake County.

“Thanks to the generosity of Chairman E.J. Crandell and the Robinson Rancheria Resort and Casino Tribal Council, as well as other key sponsors including Cal Pine at the Geysers, Pacific Gas and Electric and the Clearlake Oaks-Glenhaven Business Association, it was an enormous success. We exceeded attendance expectations by a large margin,” said Steele.

One of the jobs of the Silver Foundation Board is to plan, organize and host an annual Senior Summit. Event chair and foundation Secretary Olga Martin Steele is heading up that effort along with support from foundation board members Shawn Garrison and Gene Paleno.

Information about how to preregister will be announced at a later date. In the meantime the Senior Summit Committee is looking for volunteers. Please contact Olga Martin Steele at 707-998-1302 if you are interested in helping with this year’s summit or if you wish to reserve a spot for a service or vendor booth.