News from the Fund Development Department at Redstone



Fund Development Team (L-R): Brandon Kerr,
Shawna Miller, Lisa Dormire, Brenda Sobota

The kids have gone back to school.  For some, this is a time of year that is dreaded.  For others, the kids returning to school is the best day of the year!  No matter how old we are, I think that we all remember the mixture of feelings with which we welcomed the first day of school each year.  The playful days of summer are behind us now, and it is time to return to the more structured rhythm that back-to-school brings.  It’s not much different here at Redstone.  Summer brings vacations, changes in activity schedules, and families visiting from out of town.  As we look ahead to autumn, however, we know that a chill in the air will soon return, and fall and winter activities will be upon us.  As the seasons change, we have some choices to make, don’t we? Like the child who doesn’t want to return to school, we can stomp our feet and bemoan the season.  Or, like the child who just can’t wait to return to the classroom, we can embrace the possibilities that the new season will bring to our lives.  May we be blessed with a spirit that allows us to continually welcome the changes, new possibilities, and hopes that arise with each new season.  There is much to look forward to here at Redstone Highlands as we embrace this time together!

Gratefully,

Lisa Dormire

VP of Fund Development

2014 Highlands Fling: A Night at the Castle

On Saturday, November 15^th, Redstone will hold its twelfth annual Highlands Fling fundraising event at the Greensburg Country Club.  The theme of the event will be “A Night at the Castle” and will feature medieval castle-inspired décor, food fit for royalty, and fun for all who attend.  WTAE’s Sally Wiggin (pictured to the right) will once again take the stage as our celebrity host for the evening.  The traditional auctions and raffles will be supplemented this year with a “Wine Grab” fundraiser.  Additionally, a $1,000 prize will go to the winner of the new Royal Medallion Game, and one lucky attendee will win a weekend “Castle Getaway Package” to the Buhl Mansion in nearby Sharon, PA.  Redstone hopes to repeat its successful track record of raising over $60,000 in proceeds at the Highlands Fling.  

How can you help?  Donations of prizes for both the live and silent auctions are needed.  Items can include sports memorabilia, event tickets, restaurant gift cards, vacation home

getaways, jewelry, and services such as car detailing, spa services, etc.  Bottles of wine valued at $20 or more are also needed to be used as part of the Wine Grab.

If an in-kind donation doesn’t suit you, monetary donations are a great way to contribute!  Individual tickets and table sponsorships are also available for those who would like to attend.  If you have any questions, please contact Brandon Kerr, Donor Liaison, at ext. 370.  Together we will make this event a great success in support of benevolent care at Redstone!

Community Charities Supported by Redstone Gives Activities!

The Redstone Gives program continues to involve residents and staff in raising funds for several community charities.  Each calendar year, Redstone selects several charities to support through a variety of fundraising projects, seeking to raise at least $1,000 for each one.  During the summer months, there were sales of cookies, blizzards, funnel cakes, and other items to raise funds for organizations like the Humane Society of Westmoreland County and the American Heart Association.  So far in 2014, over $6,000 have been raised for the charities of choice. These charities include the Benevolent Care Fund, the American Cancer Society, the Westmoreland County Food Bank, the American Heart Association, the Humane Society of Westmoreland County, and the Alzheimer’s Association.

 Upcoming fundraising events will include bake sales at Greensburg and North Huntingdon in October and a Food Drive in November!  Watch your mailbox and email and plan to participate as Redstone Gives in support of these wonderful community charities. 

Fund Development Staff Update

Megan Monack

We are excited to welcome to our team our new intern, Megan Monack!  Megan started working with us in early September and has already proved to be a wonderful asset.  She is a recent graduate of St. Vincent College with a degree in Communications.  Her internship will focus on general fund development work and some of the events related to the Redstone Gives Program. 

 

Resident Spotlight - Elizabeth Bailey

Every now and then a resident amazes us.  Murrysville Independent Living resident, Elizabeth Bailey, 94, is a wonderful inspiration for living a long and active life. To the surprise of many, Elizabeth still works full-time as an Attorney in Murrysville, PA at Creenan & Baczkowski, PC. She was honored in 2008 by the Allegheny County Bar Association for practicing law for 60 years.


One would think with a distinguished career like Elizabeth has had that she was destined to take this path and had wanted to be a lawyer ever since she was a little girl… right? Not necessarily. Elizabeth loves what she does and has a true passion for it, but she actually earned her first degree from the University of Pittsburgh in Education. She went on to teach eighth grade for four years before she realized that this was not for her. She then taught school by day and attended law school at night. Her class was very small because everyone was in the army during that time in history and she graduated with only seven others.


Following her college graduation, Elizabeth joined the practice of James C. Tallant in 1948. She thoroughly enjoyed working with Mr. Tallant. He was not only her superior, but a wonderful mentor. She still remembers and follows his philosophy of being a lawyer; you are here to help others, not to make money.


Not only does Elizabeth’s work keep her active, but she also still practices yoga weekly at the Murrysville Healing Arts Center. She particularly likes taking the Iyengar yoga classes that focus on strength and stability. Until this year, Elizabeth was an avid golfer on a league at Cloverleaf Golf Course. Amazing, isn’t she?  We are truly delighted to have Elizabeth as a part of our Redstone community!

A Glimpse of Life at Redstone: The 2014 Parade

The Queen and King of the Parade

This year's annual parade at our Greensburg campus had to be canceled due to inclement weather, but that did not stop us from having fun! Although there were no motorcycles, marching bands, or twirlers, there was still a lot of fun. There was food, entertainment, clowns, the crowning of the King and Queen, and most importantly the opportunity to invite residents, staff, family, and friends into our community to have a good time and enjoy each other's company!

As attendees arrived, they stopped to see the clown who was making balloon hats. Those who were hungry picked up a hot dog, watermelon, or another snack from the buffet. Then, everyone filtered into the Chapel to watch Square Dancers perform. Then the excitement continued to build as this year's King and Queen were announced. Even though there was no parade, the King and Queen still had to be crowned! This year's King was resident Joe Notovich, and the Queen was resident Helen Schalcosky. They both were enjoying the spotlight and were smiling from ear to ear! The smell of fresh popped popcorn and laughter filled the air for the evening that will long be remembered.

It's nice know that even if the parade cannot happen in the traditional sense, everyone can still enjoy themselves. We can't wait till next year!

To see photos from this event visit our Facebook page.

Employee Spotlight - Rebecca Steele

My name is Rebecca, and I am an adoptee. I say that proudly, because my adoptive parents have not let a day go by without showing me love and sharing with me how grateful they are to have me in their lives. I was adopted from The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh when I was only 3 months old. I grew up with an amazing family and an older brother that was also adopted through The Children’s Home. We were always open about the fact we were adopted and that our parents “choose” us. It made us feel proud! Although, as I grew older, I started forming more and more questions about my birth story and where I came from. I had a single picture of my birthparents that would always keep me wondering who I looked like, where they were now, were they still together?

In college I was pushed over the edge to finally take that first step towards my search as personal challenges came and went. I got in touch with The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh to inquire about searching for my birthparents. This was it, I was going to go through with the search. At first I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. I had no clue the people I would meet or how they would affect my life.

A few short weeks later I got an email from the social worker that said she believed she found the current addresses to my birthparents and I was to write letters to them summarizing who I was and why I was searching. She sent my letter off and within days I got my first email from my birthfather. Pictures were shared and short life stories through while we got to know each other a little before meeting. I don’t think I breathed for those few days when we were emailing back and forth. My heart was constantly pounding and tears constantly flowing and we emailed several times a day. By the end of the week, we FaceTimed for the first time. I finally was looking at the only person I knew that had the same DNA as me, and I looked like him!

We met for the first time at The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh  and  I finally got to hear bits and pieces of how I came to be and how much my birthfather loved my birthmother but were not able to stay together. Since then, he has a family of his own that is so loving and supportive! Over the last year and a half we have spent a lot of hours together getting to know each other and watching his sons play sports.

Being an adoptee can have its ups and downs and emotions. It isn’t always easy to accept the fact that your birthparents weren’t able to keep you at the time of your birth, for whatever reason.  Any void I had with these emotions were filled by the love and warmth of my adoptive parents. At the end of the day, I am proud to be adopted and now knowing the story behind my adoption makes me realize I should be happy with where life has taken me and whose hands I have been placed in.

On Saturday, March 29, 2014, I had the opportunity to share my story with hundreds of people at The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh’s Shake Your Booties Annual Gala that raises money the programs they offer, including the adoption program. My very close family and friends came together to support me in the amazing night that I got to share how blessed my life is and how my life has been touched by adoption. I will never forget that amazing opportunity and how I was able to touch the lives of the people that attended.

"Your Holy Light" - Guest Blog

The following blog was written by North Huntingdon Resident Dr. Richard L. Morgan. You can view Dr. Morgan's blog at http://richardmorgandr.wordpress.com/ 

“What goes around, comes around.” For years I listened to life stories of the “greatest generation,” wrote them for their families. My major guide was a book I wrote in 2002, Remembering Your Story A Guide to Spiritual Autobiography. I have been sidetracked by a combination of events, some beyond my control, like a stay in the Hospital. But two sages have led me back to this life passion. One was Bill Denny, a resident WWII veteran, who is blind, and has an amazing story. He survived four major invasions of World War II, including Omaha Beach. When I asked him how he survived, he chuckled and replied, “I ducked!” For me it was a miracle. I wrote his story, and gave it to his son,and those precious memories are now preserved. Yesterday I had the privilege of listening to Dorothy Manzlak, born in 1920, and became a poet in her 70s. I sat spellbound as she recited from memory many of her poems, written by inspiration. Her first poem, “Your Holy Light” begins this way:”Oh my God, my Heavenly King,all day will I your praises sing.” She wrote, “I must become like a blank piece of paper and let the Lord write what He will on my heart and mind. ” Listening to Dorothy quote numerous poems from memory, and reading others convinced me that the Spirit has indeed inspired her. Many of her poems have been published by the Salesian Brothers. Bill and Dorothy remind me of the classic words of Albert Einstein, “There are two ways to live your life. One is not to see your life as a miracle, and the other is as if everything is.”Dorothy and Bill have lived their lives as if they were miracles!

Resident Spotlight - Bob Eakin

Think of your favorite hobby. Do you think that you will be participating in it when you are in your 90s? No one can tell what their future will hold, but for those who are lucky to be in good health, their twilight years can be some of the best and most proactive years of their lives. A wonderful example of a person flourishing late in life can be seen in our North Huntingdon resident, Bob Eakin. Bob is a very talented and generous man who has lived at Redstone for a little over a year. At 94, he has spent the last 15 years of his life performing the art of woodworking.

Before moving to Redstone, Bob resided in Herminie, PA with his wife and daughter. He was employed at the Kroger Meat Plant in the Maintenance Department until the time of his retirement. Although he had no experience in woodworking, he decided to pick it up as a hobby. Since then, his work has ranged from cars and trains to dollhouses and music boxes. All are very detailed as you can see in the photo above. Bob spends anywhere from 50 to over 100 hours on one piece. Spending so many hours on something this detailed can be tedious and difficult for some, but Bob enjoys every minute of the time spent in his workshop at the Redstone Highlands North Huntingdon Campus.

Although much time and effort is put into his pieces, he has never entered any of them into a contest. He used to bring them to craft shows, but decided that wasn’t for him. Woodworking is simply a hobby for Bob. So, what does he do with all of these beautiful works of art? He donates them! He has given many of them away and has put quite a few of them on display at Redstone Highlands. We are grateful for Bob’s generosity and talent!

Redstone Gives Back!

Redstone Employees accepted into the Redstone Culinary C.A.R.E. program

 learning new skills (all food was for training purposes only).

As a non-profit organization, Redstone’s responsibility to serve the larger good is one that is taken seriously.  During the past fiscal year, Redstone has provided care and service in a variety of ways. 

Redstone’s commitment to providing Benevolent Care to residents in need is central to our non-profit commitment.  When through no fault of his or her own a resident’s personal financial assets are depleted, Redstone continues to provide a home for life for that resident.  Last year, Redstone provided nearly $2.5 million in free care to residents in need. 

Benevolent Care is provided for residents in two distinct categories.  Direct Benevolent Care is provided to those residents living in Independent and Supportive levels of care on our Redstone campuses.  This assistance comes in the form of a reduced monthly service charge based on the resident’s current ability to pay.  Indirect Benevolent Care is provided to residents in the Harbor (Skilled Nursing Facility) in Greensburg.  When residents are unable to pay the private pay daily rate, the difference between the reimbursement paid by Medicaid and the full cost of care is forgiven.   

In 2013, Redstone employees and residents rose over $1,200

 for the Westmoreland County Food Bank’s

“Go Orange for Hunger” campaign. 

In addition to providing care for those in need within our Redstone communities, our residents and employees are committed to serving the needs of the larger community too.  Through the “Redstone Gives” program, residents and staff members work together to raise funds for several selected charities.  In 2013, our charities of choice included the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, the Alzheimer’s Association, the Westmoreland County Food Bank, and the Humane Society of Westmoreland County.  Bingos, bake sales, daffodil sales, and other activities raise money for these charities.  In addition, employees pay $1.00 to one of these charities every Friday in exchange for the privilege of wearing jeans to work.  Two food drives annually collect hundreds of items for the Westmoreland County Food Bank.  During the 2012-2013 fiscal year, over $7,600 in support (along with food items) were raised for these community charities.  Redstone has also forged a relationship with the Brother’s Brother Foundation in Pittsburgh.  As an example, Redstone recently replaced a number of old-style mechanical beds with beds with electric controls.  Brother’s Brother is happy to come to collect the old beds, and through their efforts ships them to countries where these beds are much needed.  Over the past year, Redstone has made a number of donations of furnishings and medical equipment which Brother’s Brother has used in its healthcare ministries around the world. 

Opening our doors to the community is another cornerstone of the Redstone commitment to service.  Many outside groups enjoy hosting events in Redstone facilities.  Highlights this year included an art exhibition by a local high school student, monthly retirees clubs, card clubs, art clubs, etc.  Additional clubs, programs, and fitness opportunities are open to the public and help Redstone serve the community in creative ways. 

The Norwin Art League displayed art work from

100 artists from September 4-8, 2013 at the

 Redstone Colonial Estates.

Redstone’s commitment to education is also a way in which we serve the larger community.  Each year, Redstone conducts classes that prepare participants to become Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA).  This often leads to a full-time career and job stability for those desiring to enter the healthcare workforce.  Many Redstone employees take advantage of a tuition reimbursement program which allows them to advance their education in ways that might not otherwise be affordable.  In cooperation with Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Redstone participates in the “Transition WORKS!” program which allows qualified high school students to work with a job coach to prepare for a transition into the workforce.  Redstone continually offers its leaders ongoing educational opportunities related to management.  CPR and First Responder classes prepare our employees to handle emergencies on our campuses and have also created community servants better equipped to assist others in emergency situations.

A commitment to volunteerism provides an additional element of Redstone’s community service.  Where would we be without the hundreds of volunteers who work in our gift shops, visit residents, lead worship, bring pets for pet therapy, assist with activities and transportation, etc.  These hours of community service impact the lives of our residents in many ways.  We are especially grateful for the community leaders who give very freely of their time and knowledge by serving as members of our Board of Directors and on a variety of committees.  In addition, nurtured in Redstone’s core values, our employees are active in the local community in a myriad of ways as scout leaders, Sunday school teachers, school volunteers, Habitat for Humanity builders, choir members, mission volunteers, etc.  The commitment of our employees to care and serve extends in broad ripples throughout the region. 

In December, the Greensburg campus held a

 wonderful Christmas Open House for friends, 

family, employees, and residents.

Last, but certainly not least, Redstone’s economic impact on the region is significant.  Approximately 90% of our employees live in Westmoreland County, adding significant dollars to the economy with their buying power and through taxes paid to local municipalities.

Through generous programs of Benevolent Care, support of external charities, utilization of facilities, commitment to a variety of educational programs, a dedicated corps of volunteers both within and outside of the Redstone walls, and a strong base of employees who live in this region, we live out our commitment to care and service.