Volunteers Keep the RiverWoods and Normandie Ridge Auxiliaries Thriving!
The auxiliaries at Normandie Ridge and RiverWoods are very active, having members from many area churches as well as residents from each campus. The purpose of the auxiliaries is to enhance the lives of the residents.The RiverWoods Auxiliary’s primary source of income is through their gift shops. In 1971, they opened a gift shop in the nursing care center. When RidgeCrest Commons opened in 2003, space was included to display gift shop items for sale, increasing their visibility and income. Beautifully handcrafted items from the woodshop and studio are also sold at both locations.
The recent addition of the Adams Center for Transitional Care and Rehabilitation included the renovation of the gift shop. Due to the retirement of Jan Bender as manager at the end of 2017, a newly established committee of auxiliary members has taken over its management and is making some changes. A grand opening is planned for later this spring.
The Normandie Ridge Auxiliary was founded in 1993. Each year, on the second Saturday of October, an Anniversary Celebration is held on campus. For the past 17 years, Flo Waybright has been chair of the auxiliary committee that plans and carries out the celebration, with the help and support of many local church volunteers in addition to residents and staff. It is a day filled with music, delicious food, crafts, and books for sale, and themed baskets in a silent auction.
Four years ago, the auxiliary added a spring fashion show as an annual event which is attended by residents and guests. Residents model the clothing and a percentage of the sales total is donated by the vendor. Donated themed baskets are placed in a silent auction to raise additional funds.
Each auxiliary uses the funds raised for the purchase of equipment and funding of programs that are used at all levels of care. Recent purchases include Automated External Defibrillators, electronic tablets, specialty wheelchairs, therapy equipment, and flat screen televisions. In 2016 they contributed to fund the printing of the recent centennial book, “Memories, Reflections and Dreams: an Illustrated History of Albright Care Services.” The book is for sale at each campus. In addition, they donate to the Benevolent Care Fund, which is used to help pay for food, housing, and medicine for residents who outlive their financial resources.
We are grateful for all that the auxiliaries do for residents, and invite you to continue your mission by becoming an auxiliary member. Membership dues are currently $5 per calendar year and membership is open to anyone interested in the well-being of the residents.
Visit www.albrightcare.org for information on senior living, day programs, giving, or volunteering.
