Woodland Sunrise Rotary Hosts Fundraiser to Support Sagewood Center

The Woodland Sunrise Rotary has selected the Sagewood Center as the beneficiary of its annual fundraising event, the Salmon/Tri-Tip BBQ. Scheduled for October 4, 2024, this highly anticipated dinner will take place at Waite Hall, located at the Yolo County Fairgrounds, starting at 18:00. Proceeds from the event will support the newly established center, which aims to enhance adult day health care services in the region.

The evening promises an array of activities designed to engage attendees. Guests can look forward to a U-Pick Raffle, a live auction, and live music. A highlight of the night will be the Grand Prize Raffle featuring a pair of Specialized E-Bikes. In keeping with the festive spirit, attendees are encouraged to don Halloween costumes, with a contest planned to award the best outfits.

The Sagewood Center, formerly known as the Yolo Adult Day Health Center, is located at 70 Cottonwood St. Following a significant remodel, the facility is expanding its adult day health care program, which originally opened on North Cottonwood Street in 1984. The move two blocks south marks a new chapter for the program, which has been a vital part of the community for over four decades.

Don Easton, president-elect of the Woodland Sunrise Rotary Club, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Dignity Health, Yolo County, and the Friends of Adult Day Health Care. “It’s very exciting to be part of this expansion of a program that is very much needed. It enhances social engagement while connecting with health services, allowing individuals to remain in their own homes,” he stated.

The funds raised will specifically help outfit the Group Activity Room at the Sagewood Center. This space will be crucial for providing physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as social work classes for participants and their caregivers. Current program director Anne-Marie Louissaint and former director Dawn Myers recently briefed the Rotary Club on the program’s developments.

The adult day health care program plays a critical role in supporting medically frail adults, including those with cognitive issues, traumatic brain injuries, psychiatric conditions, and developmental disabilities. Participants benefit from a variety of services tailored to their individual needs, such as dietary support, health services, and transportation. Registered nurses provide essential health services, including medication management and chronic disease care.

In addition to supporting program participants, the Sagewood Center also provides valuable resources for caregivers grappling with the challenges of supporting loved ones. The benefits extend beyond the individual, contributing positively to the community by reducing hospitalizations, minimizing the need for skilled nursing facilities, and enhancing overall quality of life.

Dawn Myers, who recently transitioned from her role as director to join the board of the Friends of Adult Day Health Center, emphasized the inclusive environment at the center. “When I look around our Center, I see a diverse group of people representing many ages, ethnicities, and challenges,” she reflected. “We ensure each person feels a sense of belonging and purpose. This is at the core of who we are as humans: to belong, feel joy, grow, and give.”

With the opening of the Sagewood Center anticipated for mid-2026, the program expects to increase its capacity from 80 to over 125 participants. The total project cost of $5.5 million is supported by various sources, including Yolo County, the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, the State of California, the city of Davis, and community donations, notably from the Woodland Sunrise Rotary.

For those interested in attending the Salmon/Tri-Tip BBQ, tickets can be purchased by visiting www.woodlandsunriserotary.org or by emailing [email protected]. Individuals unable to attend but wishing to contribute can make tax-deductible donations through the same website, specifying that the funds are for the Sagewood Center’s Activity Room. For more information regarding the services offered at the Yolo Adult Day Health Center, contact the center at (530) 669-3700.