Shepherd's Center to Welcome Humorist Jeanne Robertson

She calls herself "A tall lady with a tall sense of humor," and now she's performing to help the Shepherd's Center of Oakton-Vienna meet a tall order.

Humorist Jeanne Robertson will perform 3 p.m. Sunday at Vienna Presbyterian Church in a benefit show for the Shepherd's Center of Oakton-Vienna. SCOV hopes to have a packed house for its biggest fundraiser of the year.

In years past, the October show featured local musicians or speakers, which tended to attract an audience who came for the benefit rather than the act. This year, SCOV wanted a performer with national appeal who could draw a crowd beyond the generous SCOV supporters.

So far, the strategy is paying off. Of 1,200 tickets printed, about 100 are still available for purchase. Many ticketholders are traveling in from out of town to see the show, said Michelle Scott, SCOV director.

"She pokes fun at everyday life," Scott said. "When I watched some of her YouTube clips, I was wiping tears from my eyes it was so funny. I think her type of humor will appeal to our group."

The proceeds will help fund SCOV's general operations. SCOV is a nonprofit organization that assists senior adults with services and enrichment opportunities.

SCOV is best known for its transportation services, bringing clients to and from various types of appointments, ranging from medical to beauty. The organization was averaging about 50 calls, but it has now increased to about 70, which is a large undertaking for a small organization that boasts just two paid staff members who share their office space with a rotation of volunteers.

SCOV has about 200 volunteers who offer their time and services as much as they can to serve about 150 clients.

"You might wonder what's so important about giving these rides to people. It's really rewarding to take someone to the doctor or the grocery store," Scott said.

She recalled driving one woman, who suffered from dementia, to her hair appointment and realizing once they got there that it wasn't just a hair appointment. It was the woman's way of socializing and taking time to feel good about herself.

"The rides that we're doing now are becoming more and more complex," Scott said. "Many might be rides to the doctor, but others need rides to cancer treatments several times a week."

But SCOV's services go beyond transportation. Adventures in Learning, which take place at in Oakton, allows participants to choose from a schedule of classes, such as health, current affairs, t'ai chi and bridge. SCOV also provides handy volunteers to help with tasks around the house, health counseling, record-keeping assistance and sessions for caregivers.

Tickets for Jeanne Robertson are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. To order, call 703-281-0538 or email office@scov.org.