Tis' the Season!

I can't believe how fast November flew by!! Our holiday decorating has already commenced and it's looking very cheery & bright around Park River! I love how festive our Care Center becomes and seeing the creative and artistic talents of each department as they decorate their offices and our common areas. Our residents really enjoy seeing the beautiful lights & decorations!

The Foundation's 23rd annual auction fundraiser was a great success this year! We raised a little over $5,000, making this our second most profitable auction to date! Thank you again to all of those who donated items and supported our cause. Also, to our dedicated Auctioneer Team who VOLUNTEER their talents - Kinsley, Karen, Butch, Carol, Mary, Sharon, Wayne & Steve. We can't thank you enough for all you do.

The Foundation has voted & approved using the money towards remodeling the Resident & Family Lounge to make it more home-like and practical for residents and their families. We will be painting, purchasing new furniture, adding new wall art, leisure supplies, a new card table and games. We are really excited to create a cozy and inviting space for our residents and their families!

This year's auction was held in memory of Elaine Vargas, who passed away in August. Elaine was a founding member of the Foundation and was dedicated to being a voice for her fellow residents at Park River. The Foundation plans to purchase a mural of Puerto Rico to hang in the newly remodeled family lounge in her memory. She was such an amazing & inspirational person. We miss you, our friend.

December is going to be busy, busy, busy! I have so much entertainment booked, ranging from musicians, carolers and dance performances. We always have a lot of volunteer groups who like to come in around the holidays. It's so nice to have so many wonderful & kind hearted people in and around our community, who generously volunteer their time to perform for our residents!

Our Resident & Family Christmas Party will be on Friday, December 22nd @ 2:00. Santa will be passing out the Secret Santa gifts from the Giving Tree for the residents. We will also have cocktails and appetizers for everyone! It's always so nice to see all the family members come to celebrate with us.

The New Year's Eve Party will be on Friday December 29th @ 2:00 this year. We will have music by Nigel Egg and will be serving cocktails, appetizers and also having a champagne toast to welcome the New Year! Both the Christmas & New Year's Eve parties are planned for families to enjoy as well. It means a lot to our residents to be able to spend time with their families- especially around the holidays.

On a closing note, create some wonderful memories in these last few weeks of 2017. Spend time with your family & friends, say "I love you" as much as you can, show kindness & compassion to all those around you and have a blessed holiday season with the ones that you love!