Peninsula Volunteers, Inc. (PVI) hosted its 34th Annual Author’s Salon on Sunday, April 13th, at the Grand Bay Hotel in Redwood City. The highly anticipated event featured Bonnie Garmus, the acclaimed author of the bestselling novel Lessons in Chemistry, and raised over $37,000 to directly support PVI’s vital programs for local seniors.
The afternoon commenced with a reception, where guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, live music, and an open bar. VIP ticket holders were treated to an exclusive private book signing with Bonnie Garmus, having the opportunity to acquire the newest deluxe edition of Lessons in Chemistry courtesy of community partner Kepler’s Books.
Don Bleu kicked off the official program with a warm welcome, reflecting on the aging process and the collective purpose of the gathering. The audience enjoyed a lighthearted “spin-the-wheel” game, with a lucky winner receiving gift certificates for a local spa.
PVI CEO Peter Olsen took the stage to highlight the organization’s significant achievements, including the remarkable milestone of delivering over 165,000 nutritious meals to homebound seniors through PVI’s Meals on Wheels program in the past year. Olsen emphasized PVI’s enduring commitment to the community, stating, “PVI has been a cornerstone of the Peninsula for nearly eight decades. We’ve weathered recessions, a global pandemic, and more, all while ensuring that our seniors are able to age in place.” His remarks paved the way for an impactful donation drive for the essential services PVI provides daily.
PVI has been a cornerstone of the Peninsula for nearly eight decades. We’ve weathered recessions, a global pandemic, and more, all while ensuring that our seniors are able to age in place.
– Peter Olsen, PVI CEO
Jan Yanehiro then introduced Bonnie Garmus, highlighting her impressive professional achievements and profound impact on the literary world. Their engaging conversation covered the unconventional beginnings of Lessons in Chemistry, the experience of having her work adapted by Hollywood, and navigating polarizing themes in literature. Following their discussion, Jan opened the floor for audience questions, leading Garmus to talk about her charming interaction with Queen Camilla. The afternoon concluded with an additional book signing, providing further opportunities for guests to connect with Garmus.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended this year’s Author’s Salon,” said Peter Olsen afterwards. “The generosity of our community is the lifeblood of PVI, enabling us to continue providing crucial support to our senior neighbors. We extend our deepest thanks to Kepler’s Books, Ann Griffiths, Jan Yanehiro, Don Bleu, and especially Bonnie Garmus for making this event such a resounding success.”
The funds raised at the 34th Annual Author’s Salon will directly support PVI’s ongoing efforts to provide essential services that empower seniors to live with dignity and independence.
About Peninsula Volunteers, Inc. (PVI)
For over 75 years, Peninsula Volunteers, Inc., has demonstrated a profound legacy of caring for and enabling seniors to age in place, a commitment to providing high-quality and nurturing programs so seniors are engaged, cared for, and respected as vital community members. PVI’s five core programs are: Nutrition Services/Meals on Wheels/Got Groceries/Little House Café; Adult Day Services at Rosener House for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias; Quiescence, our customized solutions for family caregivers; our Senior Activity Center at Little House, The Roslyn G. Morris Activity Center; and RIDE PVI, our on-demand transportation services at Little House for daily access to where seniors want to go. PVI programs deliver over $6 million in services to over 6,500 households and address the most pressing issues of aging adults by offering critical services to sustain their daily physical, nutritional, emotional, and mental health while achieving dignity and independence in their lives.
For more information on volunteer opportunities at PVI and to make donations to support PVI’s mission of enabling seniors to age in place, visit www.1pvi.org
Media Contact:
Rebecca Matteson Nelson, Director of Development
650-272-5002 | [email protected]
