On Lok’s second annual fundraising event

On April 24, Mikael Wagner of Consumer Action attended On Lok's second annual fundraising event.
The event, sponsored by AARP of California, was attended by 250-300 participants. The host for the dinner and awards ceremony was Al Hart, former anchor with KCBS Radio.

The following senior issues were addressed:

• Healthcare
• Prescription drugs and costs
• Housing issues
• Senior scams and frauds
• Making more money for educational programs to keep seniors independent and able to provide quality transportation in additional to a quality of life

Wagner noted, "Networking was outstanding at this event. The organizers allowed participants to socialize, exchange business cards and chat. I met the new director of On Lok Senior Services; the new California president of AARP, Jenny Hansen; members of the District Attorney's office; and a representative from the Anti-defamation League."

Attendees also included On Lok's Board President, Teveia Barnes; Brandt Cannici of Medicare Saver, a great tool seniors and children of seniors can use to check on prescriptions and low cost drugs; Michael Moreno, Associate State Director of Advocacy with California state office of AARP, and the director of Open House, a leader in the GLBT community who has received clearance to build senior housing for the GLBT community in the Castro area.

Wagner has been volunteering with AARP, and recently was offered the volunteer role of communications director in its San Francisco office.