RSVP’s 50th anniversary honors founder Ayres

UPDATE: This event has been canceled, as of Nov. 14, event organizers said. 

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Nevada Rural Counties Retired Senior Volunteer Program will celebrate its 50th anniversary from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Governor’s Mansion with a cocktail party fundraiser.

The event will pay tribute to former founder Janice Ayres and honor Carson and Rural Elder (CARE) law attorney Lora Myles.

CEO Molly Walt said Ayres began RSVP in 1973 after recognizing a need to supply the city’s seniors who were homebound with transportation to their doctor’s appointments. She became director in 1979.

“She recruited some volunteers that would drive their personal vehicle to their appointments,” Walt said. “It grew from one county into the 15 rural counties.”

She had been honored multiple times by state and federal representatives, including U.S. Sen. Harry Reid. In 2011, the Nevada Legislature issued a proclamation for her service. She died at the age of 92 in June 2013 from complications after a cancer diagnosis.

In addition to her dedication to RSVP, she also served on the Nevada Commission for Reconstruction of the V&T Railway and had been appointed to other boards and commissions.

Walt said the fundraiser will feature a raffle, silent auction and presentations on Ayres and her accomplishments with speakers, including Carson City Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ronni Hannaman and a video of Adele’s Chef Charlie Abowd.

Tickets are $100 per person.

For tickets, visit www.nevadaruralrsvp.org or contact mwalt@nvrsvp.com.