Anyone who has taken care of an elderly family member or friend can appreciate what an extraordinary organization Center for Elders’ Independence is. It was an honor to be part of the Rossi Builders team who constructed CEI’s new San Leandro PACE Center and their administrative headquarters lobby in Oakland. Rick and I have dear family and friends with heartbreaking stories of juggling life while caring for an aging parent; and I too have walked in those shoes. When the opportunity to chair PACE Party arose I didn’t hesitate at the chance to help CEI raise money for the deserving seniors. Our entire family attended CEI’s PACE Party last year and I was immediately taken by the PACE Setter Singers and all they can accomplish because of CEI! I am excited to be here tonight; and I hope guests will open their hearts and give generously - and of course, I want to meet and personally thank every one of you!

Carol Leytem, is the Business Development for Rossi Builders, an 84-year, 3rd generation, family owned General Contractor in San Francisco and a rare find in a crowded field of commercial general contractors in the Bay Area. Carol is an enthusiastic about commercial building and sits on several commercial real estate committees to promote fairness and camaraderie in the building industry.  The Leytem family is active in Rossi Builders as her husband Rick Leytem and son Jordan Leytem play active roles within the organization as Senior Project Manager and Superintendent on CEI projects.