Essence of Life supports seniors

Kristen Chazaud (center) is pictured with Scripps Ranch residents and honorees Col. Bob Dingeman (a.k.a. Mr. Scripps Ranch) and Gaye Dingeman. Chazaud is an ambassador and former committee chair for the Essence of Life event. (courtesy of Kristen Chazaud)

Essence of Life supports seniors

For Scripps Ranch seniors, home is where the heart is.

More than 7,000 senior citizens throughout San Diego and in Scripps Ranch benefit from the non-profit ElderHelp, which helps the aging receive personalized services to assist them in their own home. Services include medical advocacy, friendly visits and caregiver resources.

ElderHelp will hold its annual fundraising event, Essence of Life, on March 10 at the Southwestern Yacht Club. Scripps Ranch resident Kristen Chazaud has chaired the Essence of Life event for three years, served as a member of the board of directors and remains an ambassador for the program. This year, Chazaud is hosting the pre-event coined “Spread the Love” to help promote and support the cause.

Chazaud, a native San Diegan, said starting her family life and putting down roots in Scripps Ranch was a very deliberate choice in no small part because of the elderly community.

“Scripps Ranch had all of the wonders of nature, the conveniences of the city, intergenerational residents, beautiful walking trails, impressive schools and active and engaged elders that were still contributing to its charm,” she said.

Chazaud works to protect these elders and their desire to age in their own homes through her role as CEO of Keepsake Companions Franchises and as an ambassador to ElderHelp. She has served the elderly community in several capacities through advocacy, program development, consulting and home care and placement.

“I have been passionate about initiatives that support aging in place and dream of a time when institutionalized care is no longer an option,” Chazaud said. “Realizing that dream has been my life’s work.”

ElderHelp’s Essence of Life event, according to its website, financially supports the mission to assist seniors live healthier and more independent lives while aging with dignity in their own homes.

“Aging in place is important for several reasons: our elders prefer to age at home, they built the communities we benefit from, and our elders contribute so much to our community,” Chazaud said.

The Essence of Life event is billed as an afternoon by the bay with hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and a charity auction in which all proceeds serve local seniors. The event honors ElderHelp clients, volunteers and community partners. An inspirational senior nominated by the public will also be honored at the event. Essence of Life is open to the public and tickets can be purchased online at bit.ly/2WRa4xT.