LEWISBURG – The 20th Annual Grande Illumination event recently held at RiverWoods Senior Living Community raised more than $22,000 for benevolent care, which is used to cover the essentials of room costs, meals, medication and transportation to and from medical appointments for those who have outlived their resources. This event provides the opportunity for donors to honor and remember loved ones or to name someone who has blessed them by sponsoring a luminary in tribute to a family member, neighbor or friend.

 

Under the guidance of RiverWoods’ residents, more than 80 community volunteers, in addition to residents and staff, helped to place and light luminaries throughout the campus December 11, 12 and 13. They then returned to the RidgeCrest café for cocoa and cookies. Volunteers included groups from the Meadowbrook Christian School of Milton, Beaver Memorial United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and Lewisburg Alliance Church, all of Lewisburg; students from SUN Technical Institute of New Berlin, staff from Mifflinburg Bank & Trust’ Lewisburg branch and the Lewisburg Sunrise Rotary Club.

 

“As a faith based not-for-profit organization, benevolent care continues to be our highest priority,” says Sue Jamison, Director of the Annual Fund. “This event is possible due to our resident volunteers, staff and many volunteers from churches, schools and civic groups and additional individuals who responded to the invitation for luminary lighters. It takes many hands working together to make this event succeed, and we are grateful for each one who helped.”

 

On December 13th, a dessert reception was held for donors and those who were honored with luminaries. All attendees enjoyed a delicious array of desserts, hors d’oeuvres and beverages, as well as the wonderful musical talent of the Steve Adams Trio featuring Steve Adams on piano, Bill Stetz on upright bass and Tom James on drums, who performed a variety of holiday music which included a jazz version of the music from Nutcracker Suite.

 

This heartwarming tradition has become a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the holiday season at RiverWoods.

About kauffmana