Seniors Get the Picture
CRANBERRY TWP — Decked out in a wig, bandanna and white T-shirt, Sherwood Oaks resident Will Wilkes did his best to replicate singer Willie Nelson's signature look.
Wilkes, 67, was part of a photo shoot last week for the 2018 UPMC Senior Communities Benevolent Care Fund calendar. This year's theme is “Chart Toppers.”
“It's fun, and it's for a good cause,” Wilkes said.
This was the sixth year residents from UPMC's 20 senior communities have gotten dressed in costume to be featured in the pages of the annual themed fundraising calendar — 11 from Sherwood Oaks participated this year.
For this year's photo shoot, residents at 100 Norman Drive dressed up as notable singers and musicians to re-create famous album covers.
Residents got the Hollywood treatment with hair, makeup and costuming before taking their places in front of the camera as Dolly Parton, Johnny and June Cash, Doris Day, Sonny and Cher, and others.
Local photographers Kevin Cooke and Marc Soracco joined forces to shoot photographs for the calendar for the past three years. Cooke said it's fun hanging out with the residents and helping them get into their role playing.
“It's one of those special projects that leaves you with a smile on your face,” Cooke said.Proceeds from calendar sales go to the Benevolent Care Fund, which provides financial assistance to UPMC Senior Communities residents who have exhausted their financial resources.Sherwood Oaks resident Ralph Flaugher, 95, dressed up in a white suit, straw hat and sparkly bow tie to play flamboyant singer Elton John.While he prefers Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, Flaugher said he said it was interesting, challenging and fun playing the British singer.“He's obviously good at what he does,” Flaugher said.Past calendars have featured residents as historical figures, with their pets and as iconic film characters.The 2018 UPMC Senior Communities Benevolent Care Fund calendar will be on sale in September.Those interested in purchasing it can contact Debbie Panei, director of development, at paneid@upmc.edu or call 412-864-3524.
