December 10, 2024 —Kendal Charitable Funds, the philanthropic arm of Kendal, is dedicated to funding initiatives that enhance the lives of older adults. One way in which initiatives are supported is through financial contributions and participation in nationwide Alzheimer’s Walks. Kendal Affiliates, together with The Kendal Corporation, gather annually to foster community and raise awareness to end Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
In 2024, Kendal Charitable Funds granted $5,000 to Kendal Affiliates to encourage participation in local Walks and obtain sponsorships or directly contribute to the Walk Team.
Successful Walks were held nationwide, with many Affiliates noting that this year’s funding support to partner with local Walk organizations truly made a difference in fostering deeper connections in their broader communities. Below, we highlight how some Affiliates invested their time, talent, heart and Kendal Charitable Funds’ financial support in positive and helpful ways.
Kendal at Oberlin and Kendal at Home
On September 7, residents, and employees of Kendal at Oberlin and employees of Kendal at Home participated in the 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Lorain County Community College in Ohio.
Kendal at Home raised $2,755 and was featured as the Walk’s Caregiver’s Sponsor, a direct result of Kendal Charitable Funds’ financial support.
“We are driven to expand outreach into the greater community by sharing knowledge and resources,” shared Kim Blair, Office Manager at Kendal at Home. “We are proud to support the Alzheimer’s Association and are excited to continue making communities Dementia Friendly.”
Kendal at Oberlin raised $3,947 and was the Walk’s Promise Garden sponsor through Kendal Charitable Funds’ $5,000 gift. Two residents of Kendal at Oberlin and two staff members presented flowers in the Opening Ceremony through this sponsorship. “It was powerful to hold hands with those affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia,” said Kim Preston, Director of Community Outreach at Kendal at Oberlin. “Our morning was dedicated to living out the Kendal mission of transforming the experience of aging.”
Kendal at Lexington
On September 14, Kendal at Lexington participated in the Greater Augusta County Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Virginia, which marked the community’s first Walk in several years.
“The Alzheimer’s Association is important to us, as it aligns with our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for those we serve,” said Erica Turman, Director of Marketing at Kendal at Lexington. “We hold this cause closely to our hearts and want people to see us as allies in this fight, offering support in any way we can.”
Kendal Charitable Funds’ gift helped the community participate and donate directly to the Alzheimer’s Association, illustrating Kendal at Lexington’s commitment to providing exceptional memory care and support for those with Alzheimer’s. “We are thrilled to see such a strong and positive outcome from Kendal Charitable Funds’ financial support to Kendal Affiliates,” shared Diane Massey, Interim Executive Director at Kendal Charitable Funds. “We were excited to hear Kendal at Lexington is considering becoming a 2025 Walk location and exploring ways to be a greater resource for the community around memory care support.”
Collington, A Kendal Affiliate
On October 25, Collington was an official sponsor of the Prince George’s County Walk to End Alzheimer’s at National Harbor in Maryland, thanks to Kendal Charitable Funds’ financial support.
Sponsorship included listings on event promotional materials, a prime location marketing table, and exposure to thousands of walkers.
Leading up to the Walk, a team of Collington staff members and residents planned on-campus activities: a campaign kick-off event, an Alzheimer’s Association local speaker, a dementia sensory demonstration, Alzheimer’s awareness tables with swag, and weekly promotions and educational briefs in campus newsletters.
Resident Don Zelman served as a representative of a person living with Alzheimer’s disease during the Walk’s Opening Ceremony.
“It was a heartwarming experience to see Don represent our community and those with Alzheimer’s and dementia diseases,” said Karen Schofield-Leca, Director of Philanthropy at Collington.
Collington raised $3,685 for the Alzheimer’s Association and was a top contributor among county companies. Forty people participated in a campus Walk on October 11, which included a flower ceremony, stretching session, and trumpet fanfare. Representatives from the local police liaison unit and the county Alzheimer’s Association attended.
As a sponsor, Collington connected with George Washington University researchers conducting a county-wide aging services needs assessment. Focus groups with 30 residents, organized by Collington Foundation board member Chuck VanAnden, informed the study.
Kendal Charitable Funds Supports Kendal’s Mission
Kendal Charitable Funds is ecstatic to see System-wide participation that occurred through their financial gifts and looks forward to continuing to provide funding for meaningful initiatives.
“We love seeing Affiliates come together over shared areas of interest and impact for Kendal residents and the wider community,” Massey said. “We are impressed with their passion, energy and commitment to make a difference in the lives of the older adults.”
To learn more about Kendal Charitable Funds and its charitable giving initiatives, visit https://www.kendal.org/kendal-charitable-funds/