Alzheimer’s top fundraisers take a trip to Life Care’s corporate offices

In 2019, Life Care’s facilities and corporate office raised $147,064 to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. The Alzheimer’s Association is one of several causes Life Care supported in 2019, and it is the only one our company has chosen to support through a National Team program.

Life Care recognized the leading three teams of 2019 for their fundraising efforts: The Highlands in Fitchburg, Massachusetts; Garden Terrace at Overland Park, Kansas; and joint team Life Care Center of Longmont, Colorado, and The Bridge at Longmont.

Each facility chose at least two Walk to End Alzheimer’s champions to represent their facility: Kristi Mendoza, dementia program director, and Marilyn Finch, receptionist, from The Highlands; Christianna Smith, admissions director, from Garden Terrace at Overland Park; and Shirley McNeff, executive director, from the Bridge at Longmont, with Joleen McGee, admissions director, from Life Care Center of Longmont.

These five associates traveled from around the country to Life Care’s corporate office in Cleveland, Tennessee, on Sunday, Feb. 9.

“I was honored that I was chosen to go and represent our facility,” said Christianna.

On Monday, Feb. 10, corporate associates and fellow Walk to End Alzheimer’s champions gathered to have breakfast with the top fundraisers to celebrate their accomplishments and pass on the National Team trophy.

The Highlands raised more than $12,700, ranking as the No. 1 fundraising team in 2019. As a token of gratitude and honor, Kristi and Marilyn received the coveted National Team trophy for their facility to display throughout 2020.

Beecher Hunter, Life Care president, shared a heartfelt message to the five associates expressing his gratitude for all they have done for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

“My favorite part [from the trip] was Beecher Hunter’s video at breakfast,” said Shirley. “He is such a powerful speaker and so genuine. It made me feel like he was talking to me directly.”

Following breakfast, the five ladies experienced a behind-the-scenes tour of the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and met a Macaroni penguin named Noodle.

“I loved every aspect of the trip,” said Joleen. “However, I would have to say getting to meet an adorable penguin is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Monday concluded with dinner, and on Tuesday morning, the ladies met with the Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland/Chattanooga chapter to fellowship and continue celebrating their fundraising success and what it means in the fight against Alzheimer’s.

We had a wonderful time hosting Kristi, Marilyn, Christianna, Shirley and Joleen, and we’re looking forward to what 2020 holds for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

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