Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly Raises More Than $66,000 at 29th Anniversary Gala

Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly (LBFE) celebrated 29 years of service on May 23, 2026, bringing together community members, volunteers, donors, and elderly friends for its 29th Anniversary Gala. The event raised more than $66,000 to support LBFE’s mission of relieving loneliness and isolation among older adults.

For nearly three decades, LBFE has served older adults throughout the Greater Cincinnati region, with a special focus on those aging alone with little to no family support, often referred to as solo agers. Through volunteer-driven friendship, social engagement, and community connections, LBFE helps ensure older adults remain seen and connected.

As a privately funded nonprofit, LBFE relies on the generosity of local foundations, corporate partners, individual donors, and volunteers to provide year-round programming, holiday celebrations, friendly visits, telephone reassurance, outings, and emergency support services.

“Loneliness and isolation among older adults is often an invisible crisis, yet it remains a very real reality for far too many,” said Ja’Lah Willingham, Executive Director of Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly. “The support generated through this event allows us to create meaningful moments of connection while helping older adults access the resources, relationships, and sense of belonging they deserve.”

Beyond companionship, LBFE’s regular volunteer visits and outreach efforts often identify unmet needs among older adults. Through partnerships with organizations such as Council on Aging, Pro Seniors, and other community providers, LBFE helps connect older adults to critical services and support systems, filling gaps for those who may otherwise go unnoticed.

LBFE extends its gratitude to the sponsors, donors, volunteers, and community partners who helped make this year’s event a success, including Cincy Magazine, Boston Beer Company, The Seasons, and Council on Aging. As the organization prepares to celebrate its 30th year of service in 2027, LBFE remains committed to making the issue of aging alone impossible to ignore and ensuring that older adults in our community remain connected, supported, and never forgotten.

For more information about Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly Cincinnati, volunteer opportunities, or upcoming events, visit littlebrotherscincinnati.org.

Photos Left to Right:

An LBFE elderly friend joins community supporters to mark 29 years of service to older adults in Greater Cincinnati. Photo credit: Jennifer Prine / JennPrine Photography.

Friends and supporters enjoy music and celebration. The gala theme, “Flowers Before Bread,” reflects LBFE’s belief that belonging is essential to living well at every age. Photo credit: Jennifer Prine / JennPrine Photography.

Volunteers, donors, and elderly friends celebrate at the Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly (LBFE) Cincinnati 29th Anniversary Gala, themed “Flowers Before Bread.” Photo credit: Jennifer Prine / JennPrine Photography.