WEST ADAMS : Seniors Plan Benefit Tea, Fashion Show

The Golden Steppers Senior Citizen Assn., a senior volunteer group sponsored by the city Housing Authority, will hold a benefit tea and fashion show today at 2:30 p.m. at Independent Square, 2455 South St. Andrews Place.

The “Mad Hatter Tea Party” will feature live musical entertainment, a fashion show, refreshments and prizes for guests wearing the most fashionable and outrageous hats. Ron Carter Jr., a former player for the Lakers and other NBA teams, will be the emcee. A $10 donation is requested.

The association, established in 1990 by the Housing Authority’s Resident Relations Department, addresses the needs of senior residents in public housing.

Its 469 members pay $5 a year and receive discounts on local goods and services as well as trips to museums, concerts and other events.

Members live in developments from San Pedro to the San Fernando Valley, including Imperial Courts, Avalon Gardens, Jordan Downs, Ramona Gardens, San Fernando Gardens, Mar Vista Gardens and Rancho San Pedro.

“A lot of seniors are shut-ins and afraid to complain about things as basic as living conditions,” said Jackie Calloway, founder and director of Golden Steppers and a former Housing Authority property inspector.

“I wanted not only to be their advocate, but (to) put the talents of retired teachers and other professionals to use.”

Calloway said the proceeds from today’s event will help fund $2,500 in repairs to a van that was donated to the group.

Among the programs that have been implemented by the organization are classes for grandparents raising their grandchildren, intergenerational events and “granny” houses--part-time day care centers for children whose parents must attend drug rehabilitation and other programs.

For more information, call (213) 731-9441.