The Idaho Justice Alliance for Vulnerable Adults (JAVA), which is housed in the Boise State University Center for the Study of Aging, will join famed Irish movie star Maureen O’Hara as she launches her campaign against elder abuse. O’Hara, who is turning 93 this year, in conjunction with JAVA, is hosting a birthday dinner benefit and auction on Saturday, August 17 at 6 p.m. (doors open 5:30 p.m.) at the Grove hotel in Boise. Net proceeds from the celebration will be donated to JAVA and used to promote its mission of ensuring dignity, safety and quality of life for all adults.
Dinner will feature remarks from JAVA and O’Hara, and there will be traditional Irish music and dancing. Dinner includes a choice between a traditional Irish meal of corned beef brisket and garlic braised cabbage with rosemary new potatoes, or a duo entrée of pot roast and citrus marinade grilled chicken with rosemary new potatoes and carrots.
As part of the fundraising event, O’Hara movies will be shown throughout the day on August 17 at the Egyptian Theatre from 10 a.m. to 10:20 p.m. Movie aficionados can watch the classic movies “The Quiet Man” and “Black Swan.” There will also be a meet and greet with the actress after the first movie at 12:15 p.m.
The Idaho Justice Alliance for Vulnerable Adults was established in 2010 with support from the National Committee on Elder Abuse. An integral part of the Boise State Center for the Study of Aging, it is a network of organizations and individuals working to prevent elder abuse through action and education. JAVA sponsors bi-monthly meetings designed to exchange information and strengthen the network of professionals working to assure that every vulnerable adult in Idaho is visible and valued.
Tickets to the Maureen O’Hara birthday celebration are available for $150 for the benefit dinner and admittance to all films, or $300, which includes preferred seating at the benefit dinner, admittance to all films, meeting Maureen O’Hara at “The Quiet Man” film, and one autographed copy of O’Hara’s memoir, “’Tis Herself.”
For more information about the Idaho Justice Alliance for Vulnerable Adults or to make a donation to support the prevention of elder abuse, contact Mary Holden at maryholden@boisestate.edu.