The residents of St. John's Herr Estate in Columbia are proving age is not a factor when it comes to giving back.

On Wednesday, May 14, they will host Dining for Dollars, when the public is invited to eat at Hinkle's Restaurant, 261 Locust St., Columbia, to benefit local organizations.

"Anybody who eats there from 3 to 7 p.m., we get 10% of the total bill for food and drinks," said June Rabatin, a St. John's resident who is on the fundraising committee. "You don't have to show a flyer or sign up. It's automatic. Hinkle's has been wonderful to work with."

This is the first time St. John's residents are organizing an event like this, but they are no strangers to philanthropy. Throughout the year, they hold events such as a Fall Fest to raise money for the greater community.

"We want to give back," Rabatin said. "We have a Residents Council, and they are the ones who decide where the money will go. We support several local charities."

For many of the seniors, living at St. John's is the first time they've been residents of Columbia, and they have embraced their new home.

In the past, proceeds from events organized by residents have supported the St. John's benevolent fund as well as local organizations such as Hands Across the Street; the Alzheimer's Association; the Columbia Public Library and Bookmobile; and children's programs of Luthercare, the parent organization of St. John's Herr Estate.

Residents participate in the annual Columbia Mardi Gras Halloween Parade, are active with local churches and volunteer with Columbia organizations.

Programs are held throughout the year at St. John's that are open to the public, including OWLs (Older Wiser Learners), an initiative that invites older adults to continue their intellectual growth with opportunities to hear from and engage with guest speakers who present informative topics in a welcoming environment.

The program, which started last fall, features speakers from a range of fields, including history, nature, the environment, science, music and the arts. The speakers lead interactive discussions and share insights on their area of expertise. Each session is open to the greater community, and all are free to attend. The next session will be held on Monday, May 19, and will feature Millersville University assistant professor of biology, Chris Hardy, who will discuss forensic botany.

Above all, programs like Dining for Dollars help the seniors stay connected to the community, Rabatin said, and she hopes a crowd will turn out for the inaugural event.

"It's Wednesday, so it's a good way to celebrate over-the-hump day," she said. "Bring a whole gang. Bring your friends and family. Get a mid-week break and help out local organizations at the same time."