Circle of Friends: A Commitment to Community, A Celebration of Caring

Residents from St. Paul’s Towers, San Francisco Towers, and Spring Lake Village gathered with the Covia Foundation in August via Zoom to celebrate and raise awareness for the Circle of Friends Resident Assistance Fund. With hors d’oeuvres and special beverages sponsored by Morrison Community Living, friends and neighbors raised a glass to their vibrant communities and the supporters of this important cause. Mary Sharman, a resident at St. Paul’s Towers, says, “The party and delicious treats were an uplifting event. I’m pleased so many residents could join our party and learn about this important fund. I am grateful that our community supports this cause.”

Those being helped by the Circle of Friends fund have an average age of over 90 years, with 40% living with a higher level of care. They have been part of their communities on average for more than 16 years.

“The Circle of Friends is so close to the hearts of our residents,” said Covia Foundation Executive Director Katharine Miller. “We are so grateful for the support of this fund that provides assistance for those in our Life Plan Communities who outlive their resources.”

Covia Foundation rounded out the day’s celebration with a prize drawing. Prizes included personalized dinners from the Executive Chefs, themed gift baskets, and a Google Nest Max Hub, a video smart speaker.

The event immediately showed the effect of its success, with our prize winners reaching out with excitement and gratitude, and many residents making donations online or reaching out to the Foundation with questions about planned gifts and estate gifts. Said one supporter: “This is a great cause for us to get behind because this could happen to any of us.”

*This article was originally posted in the Fall 2020 edition of Community Matters