While the categories of wellness overlap and influence one another, some examples of physical wellness will include Mobile Valley Physicians, Oasis Outpatient Therapy, Dispatch Health, our own Fitness Director, Mike Smallwood, Zounds, Premier and Costco Hearing, mobile dentistry and more.
One of the events we look forward to every year at Beatitudes Campus is Power of the Purse. This signature fundraising event, now in its seventh year, transforms the campus into a festive atmosphere for the afternoon. We can enjoy great food and drink champagne, visit with old and new friends, and of course, shop for lots of gently loved designer purses! This year, Power of the Purse will be held on Sunday, November 5th, from 2—5:00PM, and we invite you to join us! For our residents, we have special pricing for tickets—$45 (normally $95).
For those of you who are new to the campus, Power of the Purse (POP) is a party (on a grand scale), where gently loved designer purses of every stripe and color are auctioned. Why do we do this every year? We do it for you, our residents. The proceeds we earn from Power of the Purse support campus programs that connect us through our mind, body and spirit. Proceeds support our wellness programs, programs that exercise our minds as well as our bodies and programs that help us to expand our campus into the community. Funds that are raised also benefit the Resident Assistance Fund, our scholarship program that helps our residents who have outlived their assets. Last year, Power of the Purse raised more than $110,000 to directly benefit our campus. This year we expect to raise even more -a testament to the power of the purse!
On the day of the event, the areas around Town Plaza and the Rose Garden are transformed for a day into celebratory areas—complete with a giant tent and red carpet! The Bistro becomes a room full of purses, where we have a silent auction of beautiful purses. We also will have a “Purses with Prizes” table where every purse has a gift card or coupon worth $25. But, it’s not all about purses—we will have a “wine and fine spirits pull” where you can secure a bottle of wine or fine spirits worth at least $25.
Once you have placed your bid on your favorite purse, you can wander toward the Rose Garden where you can enjoy a casino area, Scotch and tequila tasting and more goodies. This year, “Papa” John DeFrancesco will entertain us with some jazz.
Near the end of the event, the big white tent in the Promenade becomes alive for the live auction and fashion show of purses, where our awesome auctioneer, Letitia Frye, will demonstrate how much passion she has for Beatitudes Campus. Many of you will remember Letitia from years past -she puts on a show you won’t want to miss!
It’s so heartwarming to see about 400 community and corporate leaders, campus friends, residents and family visit with each other, enjoy the beautiful and bountiful food prepared by our own campus chefs, buy purses and experience the power of Beatitudes Campus. The generosity and fun that we experience on this day cannot be matched!
Of course, an event of this magnitude would not be possible without the support of our sponsors. This year, The Weitz Company and Blue Cross Blue Shield are the Title Sponsors for the event, Morrison Community Living is the Red Carpet sponsor and JP Griffin Group and Angell Marketing are our Partner Sponsors. The Beatitudes Campus Auxiliary, as well as board members, vendors and staff have also stepped up to the plate to become sponsors. We are so thankful for the enduing support of our sponsors -they have such a passion for the residents and campus. With less than a month to go before the event, we have raised $118,700 so far in sponsorships.
Of course, an event of this size requires lots of planning and helping hands to make Power of the Purse successful! The Fund Development team manages the event, and most of the departments around the campus are involved. We are grateful to our Power of the Purse Steering Committee made up of community leaders and campus friends. This dedicated group of women has been securing donations -designer purses and other auction items – to make this day a great success. But mostly, it is you, our residents, who give us inspiration and encouragement to put on Power of the Purse every year. You are the most marvelous and loving ambassadors for the campus!
I invite you to join the party and buy your ticket from the Foundation Office (in Agelink). You can join your friends and neighbors and celebrate the Power of the Purse! Please call Barbara Wood (x16136) if you have any questions.
David Ragan opened the Town Hall Meeting at 2:15PM. noting that today was special with our own athletes, The Beatitudes Bombers, competing in a Senior Challenge Day that included twelve other senior living communities.
Residents and guests were treated to two very heartwarming videos. One video followed a deaf man, Muharrem, as he walked around town and everyone he met talked with him in sign language. He was pleased and surprised at this unusual happening and very touched to learn that the intent was to give him one day with no barriers. The Samsung ad proclaimed that a world without barriers is their dream as well. The second video began with boys playing basketball. When one boy was retrieving the ball, he noted a boy in a wheelchair looking longingly at the game. The boys left a basketball for the disabled boy to find. When he returned it to the game, he found that all the other boys were playing without using their legs, in wagons and other wheeled contraptions. He happily joined the game. In keeping with the spirit of these videos, David expressed his confidence in the inclusiveness of the Beatitudes Community; the desire of both residents and staff to continue to tear down the barriers and make this a better place to live.
There were close to 100 people in attendance at the meeting with two new residents joining us for the first time. The Welcome Coffee will be held on Wednesday, March 22nd, and all residents were urged to come and meet their newest neighbors.
Tara BethelL, Senior Vice-President of Human Resources and Risk Management, was happy to announce the Employee Shout Outs which went to Desiree Van Egmond, Warmeedh Al-Taie, and Suzanne Lewis. Desiree is part of the Beatitudes at Home team and she has been recognized as At Home Caregiver of the Year for 2016. She has a knack for getting to know her clients with the ability to support the office team at the same time. Warmeedh has been with Security since May of 2016. He keeps a constant look out for any risks to residents and was quick to bandage a bleeding cut that he noticed when the resident was not aware of having been cut. Suzanne started at the Beatitudes in March of 2011 as a server and she has since worked her way up to Dining Room Supervisor. She has created a consistent level of high service by training her staff and jumping in to help where needed.
Tara also noted that over $135,000 was raised last year for the Employee Appreciation Fund and they are always looking for new residents to join this committee. If you are interested, contact Tara or David on staff or resident, Barbara Carpenter.
Ray Gonzales, our evening greeter at the Welcome Center, has been working on solving the problem of congestion on the phone that requires residents to have long wait times on hold before they are able to talk to an operator. The solution is to add a little “prompt” feature. With this in place, when you call the front desk you will hear an automated greeting, followed by three prompts: For Security, press 1; To place a work order, press 2; remain on the line for all other calls. This small change will have a large impact on how fast you can be helped. This update will go into effect beginning Monday, March 13th.
Herb Komnick reported on a very busy February Residents Council Meeting. The administrative report by David Ragan highlighted the importance of the Residents Council because we now have a second yogurt machine and a bulletin board for the Patio Homes, both issues having originated with Residents Council. He also advised that two residents have won $1000 each through the referral program and all our kitchens passed the latest inspection with no problems noted. Jim Elliott gave an update on the involvement of Beatitudes residents in the coming 19 North Cleanup Day event being held on Saturday, February 11th. Marc Adelman, Communications Committee Chairman, reported on the new bulletin boards to be installed soon in the Central Park buildings. He advised that Keith Hobbs, IT Director, is meeting with Cox Cable people to find a way to make the Community Channel available throughout the campus, and he noted that WiFi has been installed in the Health Care Center and Plaza View buildings for medical records purposes. Spiritual Life Committee Chairman, Marilyn Johnson, announced a Passover Seder meal will be served on Monday, April 17th. She also said that an on-going Scholar-in-Residence program is being discussed as part of the Lifelong Learner’s program. A report from Joannie Bailey advised that it will be some time before a new bus will be available since it is a custom-made item. Also, the clean-up of the Woodshop has been completed, thanks to Igor Glenn, and the Art Show resulted in a fabulous display of talent. Welcome Committee Chairman, Char Telleen, reminded residents that all volunteers can help the Auxiliary by recording volunteer hours and turning them in at the Foundation office. Environment Committee Chairman, Gerald Roseberry, reported that 73 leaks have been discovered so far and two residence buildings remain to be surveyed for leaking toilets. From the Senior Area Representative Reports, we learned that Bob Berry has been confirmed as the Junior Representative for CP West and Joannie Bailey has been appointed as Interim Chair for the Life Enrichment Committee. In addition, Lois Pfau produced a Plaza North newsletter which was appreciated by everyone and Joe Kane spoke at several building meetings and distributed dining venue preference forms to residents. Residents were reminded that smoking is permitted only outside in designated smoking areas and inside apartments if residents have paid the required smoking fee. The next Residents Council Meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 8th.
Ruth Crowley, Chairman of the Health and Wellness Committee, announced that 90 residents attended the February 21st seminar led by Cheryl Knupp, Senior Vice-President of Health Services. There were many questions, and Cheryl will hold additional seminars in the summer focused on each of the levels of care. A seminar presented by Hospice of the Valley is planned for March 21st at 3:00PM. in the Life Center. Learn how hospice supports patients, when hospice is appropriate and how the cost of care is covered. If possible, bring your adult children to this learning experience.
Speaking of hospice, David noted that our own Dosia Carlson and Gerald Roseberry were co-founders of the first hospice, Hospice of the Valley, and Greta Wiseman was the first nurse.
Beatitudes “Bombers” representing the campus at the recent LeadingAge Senior Fitness Challenge
Mike Smallwood, Fitness Specialist, having just returned from the Senior Challenge competition, was already thinking of the medals we would bring home next year. Rod Bailey was Master of Ceremonies and apparently David Ragan completed the obstacle course. At any rate, a good time was had by all, including our mascot. Pictures will be forthcoming. Gregory’s was thanked for providing fruit for the occasion. The February B-Fit Winner was Joyce Stenquist who received a $50 gift certificate.
David noted that life enrichment is taken very seriously by our staff. Didi Cruz, Monica De La Rosa and Jon Schilling are all expecting additions to their families.
One of our happy winners from the recent Resident Dog Show!
Monica De La Rosa, Life Enrichment Specialist, called our attention to some of the exciting events on the agenda for March. The Dog Show will be Thursday, March 9th, at 10AM. in the Dog Park. At this time, two more judges are needed. On Friday, March 17th, at 5PM will be the St. Patrick’s Day Dinner in the Life Center. Tickets are available at the Bistro. All crafters should plan on going to Pinspiration, a DIY creative studio space, to make an on-the-spot project. Relax with no hassle, no mess, no excuses and linger with friends over a glass of wine. The date is Tuesday, March 21st, leaving at 11:15AM and back in time for the Hospice seminar. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at the Welcome Center. The tickets for the Spring Training Baseball Game on Monday, March 27th have been sold out. The CAREcorps will hold their second Open House on Wednesday, March 29th from 1 to 3PM in the Life Center. Come and learn about the different groups and activities on Campus.
David announced that for the 4th year in a row, AARP is offering free tax preparation to our residents. Tax preparers will be here Mondays, March 6th and 20th from 9AM to 2PM. in the Library. Call x0 or go to the Welcome Center to schedule your appointment. For your appointment, you will need last year’s income tax returns, your W2 and 1099 forms, photo ID and any other information you think pertinent.
David reminded us that the Hootenanny is tonight (Wednesdays) at 6:00PM in the Life Center. A thank you was extended to Gregory’s Market for bringing their excellent produce to us at our Town Hall Meetings. Again, please do not feed stray animals. If conditions get too bad, it will be necessary to trap the animals. If you have your own animals, don’t forget to pick up after them. It is your doo-ty. Wednesday Sundaes with Dave will be held on March 15th from 2 to 4PM in the Bistro. Enjoy a free yogurt sundae, share your thoughts with Dave or just come for a treat. With two yogurt machines, yogurt sundaes are practically guaranteed.
The next Town Hall Meeting will be held on April 5th at 2:15PM in the Everett Luther Life Center.
(A quick note from David – please thank Norma Dieffenbach for the continued excellent minutes for the Informant—she does not miss a thing!)
Power of the Purse 2016 was a phenomenal success in every way possible!
As the signature fund-raising and friends-raising event for the campus, Power of the Purse transformed the campus into a festive atmosphere on Sunday afternoon. It was a party on a grand scale, where gently loved designer purses of every stripe and color were auctioned off. Nearly 400 guests enjoyed great food and wine, wonderful friends, and, of course, lots of purses!
For those of you who are new to the campus, Power of the Purse is the signature fundraising event for the campus. This year is our sixth year of producing this event, and we have raised a half-million dollars for the campus over these s
ix years. Why do we do it every year? We do it for you, our residents! All the proceeds we earn from Power of the Purse are directed to support initiatives and programs for the campus, such as our commitment to assist residents who may be in need of financial help because they have outlived their own personal assets. Proceeds also help advance our programs, to help ensure that you have the greatest opportunity for living life at the highest potential.
Power of the Purse is a premier example of the campus at its best! It was a joy to see so many of our residents attending and participating on Sunday! A good number of you from all parts of the campus were around watching the tent go up on Saturday, as well. Who knew that Central Park Mall could be transformed into an elegant red-carpet venue?
More than one of you told me how happy it made you to see all the people milling about – it made me happy, too. Bringing “younger” people to the campus absolutely helps us change the stereotypes about aging and retirement communities. Over and over, in one conversation or another, I heard comments like, “I had no idea this community was so vibrant.” One of the Washington High School students told me that “These people are so cool!” We, of course, know all about the “coolness factor” of our residents, but how wonderful to have the larger community understand as well!
On behalf of the Fund Development team, our boards, and all the staff here at the campus, I would like to thank each one of you – our residents – for your support of this event. So many of you made contributions, purchased tickets, donated purses and helped to spread the word. With an event of this scale, I know it was also an interruption to daily life here. I am grateful for how cheerfully you accommodated all the festivities. You are such great ambassadors for the campus.
I’d like to thank our talented and dedicated staff – who dreamed, designed and orchestrated a spectacular day for us. Every department on campus stepped in to pull it all off. Cheers to our Dining Services team who never cease to amaze us with creative food and service. Our facilities teams were everywhere doing everything you can imagine to get the campus ready. Our accounting, admin, housekeeping, human resources, marketing, security and spiritual life teams all had important roles to play. Staff members from every department across the campus volunteered their time on Sunday afternoon for the cause. Everyone went the extra mile.
I am extremely grateful to our event guests and to the 25 sponsors who provided such generous support to the campus. A special thank you goes to our Title Sponsor, The Weitz Company, who has supported Power of the Purse since the beginning and in a multitude of ways. I also want to thank our Presenting and Partner Sponsors – BlueCross BlueShield of Arizona, Morrison Community Living, David Davies, Merrill Lynch, Beatitudes Campus Auxiliary and JP Griffin Group – for their generous support.
Hats off to the Power of the Purse Steering Committee, co-chaired by Monique Bontrager and Jennifer McKee. They met throughout the past year to help plan for this great event. This dedicated group of women has been securing donations – designer purses and other auction items – to make this day a great success. They spent countless hours prepping and preparing the purses for auction. A special thanks goes to Nancy Stouffer, our purse guru, who has been a champion of Beatitudes Campus for years.
My thanks to each and every one of you for being part of Beatitudes Campus and for helping us to live out our mission and values. Indeed, we are all blessed.
Below, find an extended video tour of the event:
https://www.facebook.com/BeatitudesPowerofthePurse/videos/1780857785510462/
The Backstreet Boutique and Furniture Annex are getting ready for a big sale on Saturday, March 12th! You won’t want to miss it, so be sure to tell your family and friends!
The Furniture Annex is bursting at the seams, and everything is on sale. The Annex is starting to consolidate the furniture sales area at Agelink. This is good news for all the shoppers, because the inventory in the furniture area will constantly be changing. You’ll want to stop by the Boutique and Furniture area more often so you don’t miss any deals.
Because the volunteers will be getting ready for the big sale, the Backstreet Boutique and Furniture Annex is temporarily suspending accepting donations during the months of February and March. If you were planning on donating something, please call another great charity – we support all of them! The Backstreet Boutique and Furniture Annex will start accepting donations again in April.
Thank you for your valued support of Backstreet Boutique and Furniture Annex! *
