Meet Brittanee Kakar, Siena Lakes' Resident Event Coordinator

If you're interested in fun events like a Kentucky Derby party, fashion show, or antique car show, you'll want to check out Siena Lakes, an Erickson Senior Living community in Naples, Fla.

Special events like these are key to the vibrant, social lifestyle residents enjoy at the community, and Resident Event Coordinator Brittanee Kakar is responsible for bringing them to life.

She also works closely with residents to support the clubs and groups they lead. "I love building relationships with residents as I help them make their visions a reality," she says.

Residents especially appreciate her professionalism and personality.

"Brittanee is talented, upbeat, and a pleasure to work with!" says Hugo Finarelli, who chairs the Resident Advisory Council (RAC).

Each week, Siena Lakes features live entertainment in the lounge of Pietra's Bar, one of the seven restaurants on campus. Kakar books all the performers.

"A big part of what I do is collaborate with vendors to bring performers to the community," she says. "Residents relax, have a drink, and spend time with friends--all while enjoying the entertainment."

Other recent events have included a Frank Sinatra impersonator, Crooners and Divas Shows, one-act skit performances by the Naples Players Roadshow Company, an opera, and a disco night featuring a DJ.

"I think residents appreciate that they get to hear music from their high school days," says Kakar. "It's especially popular with residents who love to get up and dance."

Special events

In addition to weekly entertainment, Kakar organizes larger events in the Life Enrichment Center, the biggest event venue on campus.

Some of the most popular annual events are the Kentucky Derby party, the Siena Lakes Fashion Show, Siena's Got Talent (a resident and staff talent show), The Follies (showcase of musicals and plays directed and performed by residents), and an antique car show, among others.

Kakar also enjoys bringing new events to the community. Last fall, Siena Lakes hosted its inaugural Grand Piano Series concert, featuring internationally renowned pianist Ariel Lanyi.

"We've partnered with the Grand Piano Series for other concerts and are looking forward to bringing in more pianists in the future," says Kakar. "It was a huge hit!"

Residents also have the opportunity to attend educational lectures on campus, held in conjunction with Florida Gulf Coast University and Florida SouthWestern State College.

Kakar oversees the scheduling of these lectures. "Siena Lakes residents love learning. They have a big interest in topics like tech and AI because they're constantly changing. Residents also enjoy presentations on current events," she explains.

"The lectures are a great way to learn new information and keep your mind active."

Kakar also organizes local excursions with help from the resident-led special trips group, whose members meet with her monthly to discuss places their neighbors are most interested in visiting.

"We run a special shuttle--at least twice a month--to a shopping center, the zoo, or a restaurant for a luncheon," Kakar says. "People like going on these trips. There's so much to do within ten miles of Siena Lakes!"

Listening to feedback

To ensure all community events remain engaging and exciting, Kakar works closely with the RAC's Resident Life committee. She meets with committee members monthly to get feedback about how they and their neighbors felt about the events.

"Members provide feedback--like audience response and attendance--on each special event, presentation, and performance that occurred within the past month," says Hugo, who appreciates that his voice is heard.

"That current, firsthand feedback helps Brittanee plan future events weeks and even months ahead."

Kakar values the input. "They're our eyes and ears in the community. It's been really helpful to get specific, detailed feedback on each event so that I can plan better," she says. "I want them to have fun!"

She welcomes new ideas from residents as well. For example, when a resident recently suggested that those involved in needle arts should have an opportunity to showcase their creations, Kakar helped plan a display. Thirty-five residents participated.

"Brittanee was instrumental in organizing the display space and marketing the event, which was a huge success," says Hugo. "It all happened within just two months!"

A rewarding role

For Kakar, connecting with residents and seeing them thrive at Siena Lakes is the most rewarding part of her job.

"Siena Lakes is known for its vibrant, carefree lifestyle, and I'm so glad I'm able to be a part of that," she says.

When she's not having fun with residents, she enjoys spending time with her husband Varun, Siena Lakes' associate executive director, and their two kids.

To learn more about senior living at this vibrant community, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.

By Michele Wojciechowski