Learn about the GAF and its upcoming services
Although the Golden Age Foundation (GAF) and the Golden Rain Foundation (GRF) are often confused, they are two separate organizations.
The GRF is the nonprofit corporation that manages the shared property of Leisure World. This corporation has employees, an executive director and a board of directors that sit on numerous committees, such as Administration, Facilities, Member Services, Finance and more. Every resident of Leisure World is a member of the GRF.
The GAF is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. It has a small board of directors made up of volunteers.The GAF has no paid members. They and are often seen at events in red vests. Its mission is to make Leisure World a better place to live.
The GAF’s funding is dependent solely on contributions from individuals, clubs and organizations in the community. The organization accepts donations large and small; every donation makes a difference.
Sometimes the GAF will receive a bequest from a late resident for a specific project, like Jack Schiffiler, who requested his bequest donation be spent on new gym equipment, which the GAF honored in 2020 with a $75,000 donation.
Smaller, individual donations or donation drives like the Ralphs Community Reward Program, and the GAF Membership Drive help the GAF fund ongoing community programs like the Hospitality Center in Clubhouse 6, AARP tax preparation, quarterly document shredding, battery recycling, Salvation Army donation drives, and the mobility aid lending programs for free.
Residents can also join the GAF to help make life in Leisure World better. Nothing happens in the GAF without the dedication and efforts of volunteers. They are the heart and soul of the Golden Age Foundation.
To make a donation to the GAF, people can visit the Clubhouse 6 Lobby to pick up a donation envelope at the white wooden post and drop off cash or check donations at the wall-mounted metal box next to the Hospitality Center’s service counter. The GAF’s tax ID is 23-7273105.
••• Salvation Army Donation: Feb. 21 Salvation Army trucks will be in the Amphitheater parking lot on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. This event will be held on the third Saturday instead of the usual second Saturday.
Large collection bags will be put out two weeks before the collection date in Clubhouses 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, the library and the LW Weekly office beginning Feb. 9.
The Salvation Army accepts donations of clean, gentlyused, items including clothing, bedding, kitchenware, small appliances and electronics, toys, sporting goods, books, art, home decor and small to medium furniture.
For more information on donating, contact Geneva Potepan at 951-675-4271, 562-301-5339 or email mom4rascal@aol.com
••• Battery and E-waste Recycling: March 14 The GAF will collect approved household batteries and e-waste to recycle on Saturday, March 14, from 10 a.m.-noon in the Amphitheater parking lot. GRF ID is required. The GAF will partner with Teens Against E-waste, a student-run, 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization for this event.
The GAF asks shareholders to put hearing aid batteries in a separate bag from other batteries to help the event run smoothly.
Accepted e-waste items include computer monitors, TVs, laptops, DVD players, scanners, fax machines, copy machines, printers, radios, stereos, speakers, vacuum cleaners, microwaves and mini refrigerators.
E-waste items not accepted include equipment containing mercury, light bulbs or fluorescent tubes, aerosol cans, liquids, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers or dishwashers.
For more information about the GAF and its upcoming events or to volunteer, go to www.goldenagefdn.org, or text 562-301-5339.
— Anna Derby The Golden Age Foundation is not affiliated with the Golden Rain Foundation or LWSB in any way.
