On September 21, 2024, SAGE (Senior Action in a Gay Environment) of South Florida will be celebrating its 30th Anniversary! The Celebration will be held at Tropical Acres Steakhouse, 2500 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33312. Cocktails will be at Noon, followed by a Luncheon at 1:00 p.m.

SAGE of South Florida is celebrating 30 years of supporting the South Florida LGBTQ+ Community. SAGE provides programming such as weekly ‘Men’s Drop-In’, and ‘Co-Ed’ meetings, monthly ‘Book Club’ and ‘Dine-Outs’, ‘Friday Free Movies,’ and many other programs specifically designed to combat isolation in the elderly LGBTQ+ community.

ABOUT SAGE of South Florida: In 1992, Ed Jones was asked by the Sunshine Cathedral MMC to create a task force to develop and expand its program for the senior age group members of the church. By 1994 the task force included people from the newly formed community center’ They decided to widen the scope of the operation to include the larger gay and lesbian community. After consulting with SAGE USA in New York, a “kickoff” luncheon was held in May 1994, and an organizational dinner was held in July 1994. Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Florida Secretary of State on August 8, 1994, and SAGE of Broward County became the first affiliate of SAGE USA. A Charter Membership Campaign began on September 18, 1994. A name change was filed on June 25, 2003, and SAGE of South Florida, Inc., became an independent organization no longer affiliated with SAGE USA.

Mission Statement: SAGE of South Florida is a social and support group of gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgenders, of all ages, dedicated to serving the needs of the maturing community. Our goals are to enrich the lives of members of the LGBT senior community. This is accomplished by volunteering and sponsoring various social and educational activities to deal with the special needs of aging. SAGE provides opportunities to interact with members of our LGBT community.

WHAT MEMBERS OF SAGE HAVE TO SAY:

Patrick Vida, president of Sage of South Florida: ‘It is truly an honor to celebrate 30 years of Sage of South Florida with many of our founders and members.’

Roland L., Ft. Lauderdale: ‘We are so very lucky, down here in South Florida to have SAGE of South Florida available to us ‘seniors.’ SAGE of South Florida is a wonderful outlet for socializing, meeting friends, and making new friends.’

Betty G., Tamarac: ‘I am a member of SAGE of South Florida to stay informed of L.G.B.T.+ issues and needs. I also love the members and being with them at their fabulous events.’

John H., Oakland Park: ‘I love being involved with SAGE of South Florida and mixing it up with people who have interest in many events. I like meeting with friends and being informed.

Patti L., Tamarac: ‘I am a member of SAGE of South Florida and attend meetings to support the senior L.G.B.T.+ community. We are all in this together.’

Jerry G. & Will M., Imperial Point: ‘We joined in support of senior gay people and were pleasantly surprised to find a wealth of activities.’

SAGE of South Florida’s 30th Anniversary Celebration: Tropical Acres Steakhouse, 2500 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, on Saturday, September 21, 2024. Cocktails at Noon followed by a Luncheon at 1:00 p.m. Pricing: Members – $30/$35 – Non-Members – $45/$50. For reservations please call: 954-634-7219. (Cutoff for reservations: 1:00 p.m. on Monday, September 16.)