HAMPDEN – Twenty years is a milestone for any organization and the Hampden Senior Center is throwing a party. The Hampden Senior Center 20th Anniversary Gala will be hosted at The Starting Gate at GreatHorse on Nov. 9.

“The Gala will be an evening to reflect on the past 20 years and honor the accomplishments of the dedicated and committed volunteers, board members, staff and community partners who helped mold the Senior Center into the active facility it is today,” Senior Center Activities Coordinator Nancy Hurlburt said in a statement.

Over 300 people are expected to attend the event, Hurlburt told Reminder Publishing.

The Hampden Senior Center was established in 1977 and originally was housed in the Town House. The building at 104 Allen St. was built to give the growing Senior Center a home of its own, and it opened its doors in 1999.

Hurlburt said a commemorative keepsake book that includes a resource guide for seniors, photos, and a historical timeline of the Senior Center will be available at the gala.

The menu features appetizers, Statler chicken and dessert. There will also be a cash bar. Entertainment for the evening will be provided by Jeff Gavolli’s Bad News Jazz and Blues orchestra.

“My own personal hope is that people will get a perception of the new senior centers,” Hurlburt said. “In the new senior world, seniors are working, they’re active.”

Hurlburt said she wants to make the community more aware. “Senior centers provide services beyond what is being funded,” she said.

Tickets to the gala are $35. Checks can be made payable to the town of Hampden. For more information, call the Senior Center at 566-5588.