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Celebrating Service, Community, and Dreams Fulfilled: Betty’s Wish of a Lifetime Celebration

Jessyca Sosa

AARP Florida

Published February 06, 2026

AARP Volunteers gathered around Betty at a celebration

AARP Florida

In January, community members, volunteers, and partners gathered at The Pride Center in Fort Lauderdale for a heartfelt and inspiring event — Betty’s Wish of a Lifetime Celebration. The afternoon honored the extraordinary contributions of longtime AARP volunteer and community advocate Betty Gambino, while also highlighting the powerful mission of AARP’s Wish of a Lifetime program.

The celebration welcomed approximately 80 guests who came together to recognize Betty’s legacy of service and to hear about her unforgettable Wish of a Lifetime experience.

A Warm Community Gathering

The event began with a lively pizza social as guests checked in, connected with fellow attendees, and enjoyed a slide show showcasing Betty’s journey and impact over the years. Volunteers played a vital role in ensuring the event ran smoothly, assisting with guest registration, welcoming attendees, managing crowd flow, and serving refreshments. Their dedication helped create a warm and welcoming environment that reflected Betty’s own spirit of service.

Honoring a Lifetime of Giving

Yessenia “Jess” Perez, Associate State Director of Outreach and Engagement for AARP Florida, opened the program with remarks that highlighted Betty’s profound influence on both AARP and the local community.

For more than 15 years, Betty has served as a devoted AARP volunteer and a trusted partner at The Pride Center. Through her leadership and commitment, she has helped strengthen connections between AARP and the LGBTQ+ community, building relationships rooted in respect, inclusion, and support. Her work has helped ensure that AARP continues to show up in meaningful ways for diverse communities across South Florida.

The Mission Behind Wish of a Lifetime

Following the welcome remarks, Wish of a Lifetime volunteer Charlie Siegel provided an overview of the program, which honors older adults by fulfilling lifelong dreams and celebrating their stories. The program recognizes individuals who have spent their lives giving back and offers them opportunities to experience moments of joy, adventure, and personal fulfillment.

Guests learned about the nomination and application process, as well as the program’s growing impact nationwide.

Betty’s Dream Comes True

The highlight of the afternoon came when Betty shared her Wish of a Lifetime experience — a magical trip to New York City during the holiday season. Betty spoke about the excitement of seeing the city decorated for Christmas, the joy of experiencing iconic holiday sights, and the deep gratitude she felt for being recognized in such a meaningful way.

Her story served as a reminder of the importance of celebrating the contributions of older adults and honoring the dreams that continue to inspire them.

A Celebration of Community and Gratitude

The event concluded with raffle prizes, heartfelt thanks to volunteers and partners, and a joyful group photo with Betty. Guests stayed afterward to enjoy additional refreshments, connect with one another, and learn more about how they can support or participate in the Wish of a Lifetime program.

Continuing the Legacy

Betty’s celebration was more than a recognition of one individual — it was a testament to the power of service, community, and honoring those who dedicate their lives to helping others. Through programs like Wish of a Lifetime, AARP continues to celebrate the stories, dreams, and contributions of older adults who make lasting impacts in their communities.

Betty’s story reminds us that it is never too late to celebrate a dream and never too soon to recognize a life of service.