The assisted living and memory care community supported nearly a dozen charities in 2019
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Jan. 9, 2020) –The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay, an assisted living and memory care community in St. Petersburg, donated $23,556 to charity in 2019 thanks to a number of resident-led fundraising efforts and community-wide events.
The funds supported local charities like Tiny Homes for Homeless Veterans, Silver Santas, Inspire Equine Therapy and the Bay Pines VA Hospital, as well as national organizations like the American Lung Association, Alzheimer’s Association and Wreathes Across America.
“Our residents find such joy in giving to others and this year they worked tirelessly to organize fundraisers, bake sales, rummage sales, raffles and more to raise money for organizations that are close to them,” said Suzanne Burtzlaff, Executive Director at The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay. “It’s been incredible to watch them rally around a common cause and support our local community.”
Resident Randy Stimmell played a big role in the fundraising efforts. The veteran organized concerts and raffles to raise money for Bay Pines VA Healthcare System. His efforts alone raised more than $5,000 for the Mental Health Intensive Case Management (MHICM) and more than $2,400 for the Community Living Center (NHCU) at the hospital.
In addition, residents of the community knitted more than 500 beanies, blankets and socks for children whose families were living at The Ronald McDonald House in St. Peterburg. Associates, with the support of residents, also donated more than 200 hours of time to help organize the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Pinellas County. The Fountain’s team – Boca Goes Green for a Cure – raised $10,395 for the walk.
In December, the community also gifted local resident Matthew Witsey a pool chair that will allow him to undergo aqua therapy to help heal from a tragic car accident. Witsey will turn 21 this year and will age our of important insurance coverage that has been instrumental in his recovery. The community named him the latest Watermark Kid and paid for the pool chair and installation in full. It was installed on Christmas Eve.
“Our residents are so passionate about helping people and this year we really got our hands dirty and did the work to support local residents and organizations in need,” said Melissa Krysh, Community Life Director at The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay. “Our hope is that this momentum will carry into 2020 and we’ll be able to help even more people in the coming year.”
About The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay
The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay is a retirement community in St. Petersburg located at 1255 Pasadena Avenue South on a 14-acre waterfront property. The community offers independent living, assisted living and memory care, with short and long-term skilled nursing and rehabilitation at The Springs, an on-site health center operated by Summit Care. The Fountains’ vibrant lifestyle includes multiple dining options, an extensive calendar of events, outings, classes, clubs and fitness opportunities. Managed by Watermark Retirement Communities, The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay is committed to creating an extraordinary community where people thrive. For more information, visit bocaciegabay.watermarkcommunities.com.