Residents at Belvedere Senior Housing were holly and jolly as they gathered for an afternoon filled with gifts, merriment, and holiday fun during its Christmas party event on Friday, December 13.
This celebration was a special time for the Belvedere residents - in addition to a festive gathering to help them celebrate the spirit of the season, their hands did not leave empty. For the first time, each resident received a holiday gift thanks to the work of Sponsors, Donors, and Holiday Heroes from throughout the community, a surprise that left them beaming from ear to ear as they tore off the wrapping paper and bows of their presents.
Every year, Belvedere residents receive a gift from Resident Service Coordinator Anna Dziejma, but this year’s gifts were made extra special with the help of special supporters. Director of Marketing and Sales, Andrea Puente decided to contact a few local businesses to ask for support to gift the residents with high quality gifts that they need or would really enjoy.
“Our residents are worth the ask. Some of them don’t have family so it is very important to us that they still experience the magic of being surprised as they open their gifts,” said Puente.
One resident, Janis Mcearing, was especially excited to receive her gift. It means a lot that people in the community were thinking of those at the senior center, and she is very thankful to all who contributed to this very heartwarming gesture.
"This event means a whole lot to me,” said Mcearing. “I always look forward to the friendship this event allows."
In addition to the gifts, attendees also enjoyed a delightful afternoon mingling with their fellow residents, staff, family, and friends to the tune of holiday favorites and tasty treats. It was a change from the regular routine, and with the holidays right around the corner, it was the perfect way to celebrate the season in style.
Sandra Murray, holiday gift sponsor, and Humana agent was more than happy to help make the evening unforgettable for Belvedere’s residents. Murray has been involved with Belvedere in a multitude of ways, whether through sponsoring bingo nights or providing goodies for the residents. Her support has helped Belvedere’s residents have a very jolly holiday.
“We love seniors,” she said. “My favorite part is being able to look around the room — with the food and the gifts — and just see the joy on the residents’ faces.”
Creating such a special moment for all of the residents was made possible through the generous contributions of Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana and Tradewinds Services, Inc. as well as the additional support from Murray. Thanks to their support, all 120 Belvedere residents had gifts to open.
“A lot of the time, seniors are lonely and you have to put in the effort to make them feel special," said Murray. “That’s what we did tonight.”
Belvedere is always looking for creative opportunities to keep residents happy, healthy, and engaged. As the holiday party came to a close, residents were already looking forward to the Countdown to Noon New Year’s Eve party that the Belvedere team had planned. The party will include a balloon drop, toast, and much more!
To stay up to date with all the festivities happening at Belvedere Senior Housing, please visitgardant.com/belvedereseniorhousing.