The foundation raises funds through community events and partnerships with local organizations, including hospice providers and care facilities. Its first event in July 2025 provided backpacks filled with school supplies to 100 children. Photo courtesy of REM Legacy Foundation

DIXON, CA (MPG) – The REM Legacy Foundation will host a Senior Prom for adults ages 65 and older from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Dixon Senior Center, 201 S. Fifth St.

Organizers describe the free, community-wide event as an opportunity for seniors to enjoy an afternoon of music, dancing and social connection. The prom will feature a DJ, photographer, photo booth, food and raffle prizes. Community vendors will also be present, offering information and resources tailored to seniors.

“This event is about giving our seniors a reason to get out, have fun and feel celebrated,” said Mary Felix, founder of REM Legacy Foundation.

According to Felix, the foundation’s mission is to support families and seniors in the community, particularly those facing unexpected loss. The nonprofit, established in May 2025, helps families cover funeral expenses so they can focus on grieving rather than fundraising.

“When you’re going through loss, that should be the last thing you should be doing. You should be grieving,” said Felix.

The foundation raises funds through community events and partnerships with local organizations, including hospice providers and care facilities. Its first event in July 2025 provided backpacks filled with school supplies to 100 children.

Felix said the idea for a senior prom grew from her work with older adults.

“When we work with a lot of seniors in our industry, they spend a lot of time just sitting around at home,” she said. “The point is for them to come out, have fun and make friends. I just wanted it to be open to everyone in the community.”

In addition to entertainment, the event will connect attendees with service providers. Vendors are expected to include home health agencies and hospice organizations, among others. Angel Cares, a home health provider, will donate raffle prizes. Solano Cares will provide crowns for a prom king and queen.

“I wanted to provide them a good time, but also offer them resources to use,” said Felix, noting that some families are unaware of services available in the area.

Yari Rodriguez, a member of the four-person REM Legacy Foundation team, said the prom theme offers a distinctive experience.

“We’re providing an opportunity for the seniors in the Solano County area and giving them an experience that a lot of people may not have had, like a prom,” said Rodriguez.

According to Rodriguez, planning for the event began in November or December of 2025, with team members drawing on their backgrounds in health care and social services. The foundation’s team also includes Tawsha Gaytan, who works with Vacaville Memory Care, and Crystal Tellez, who works for the state of California. Volunteers, including family members, assist with logistics and coordination.

“It means a lot because not only are we doing something for the senior community, but we’re fundraising for other family members to support them,” said Rodriguez.

Felix hopes to make the Senior Prom an annual event.

“They can still have fun, they can still go out, and they can still have a great time,” she said. “For us, we just want to create a night for them to remember.”

The event is free and open to the public. Organizers encourage seniors throughout the community to attend.

For more information, visit remlegacyfoundation.com.