Raleigh seniors enjoy the annual Golden Years Holiday Celebration sponsored by CBC.

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Raleigh seniors in the Raleigh Parks & Rec’s Golden Years Clubs got together on Thursday, December 20, 2012, for the annual holiday celebration courtesy of long-time sponsor Capitol Broadcasting.   The over 40 clubs came together at the Raleigh Convention Center for breakfast & Christmas entertainment at the annual Golden Years Holiday Celebration .

Santa Claus made an appearance this year, chatting with seniors, posing for pictures, and even stepping out onto the dance floor.  A variety of performers brought holiday songs including The Oakwood Waits, Rozlyn Sorrell, the Gospel Sensations, Jeanne Jolly and Chris Boerner, and the High Society Orchestra.  Pro dancers from the Arthur Murray Dance Studios of Raleigh & Durham demonstrated a few dances from the crowd and then the program ended with the tradition of seniors taking a spin around the dance floor.

Raleigh Parks Recreation Director Steve White officially presented hundreds of stockings stuffed by the Golden Years Clubs to the Salvation Army.

“Because of you kids will wake up Christmas morning and have something there, “ said Salvation Army Elf Page of their generosity.

Raleigh singer songrwiter Jeanne Jolly entertains the crowd.

Santa himself hits the dance floor for a cha cha.

WRAL-TV Anchors Debra Morgan, Gerald Owens & Jackie Hyland emceed the event, holding drawings for prizes and introducing acts.  Hyland interviewed several club members live during the program as well.

From singing along with Jolly to “Deck the Halls,” to talking to Santa, to dancing, to eating a delicious breakfast, the Raleigh seniors enjoyed the morning together.

WRAL crew members were on hand capturing the action for a “Golden Years Holiday Special” which will air on WRAL on Christmas Day.  The program of highlights from this year’s celebration & events past will air at 7pm on Tuesday, December 25th.

Happy Holidays from CBC!