For the fifth year in a row, IronOaks and the South Chandler/Sun Lakes community came out in record numbers to join friends for fun and play to raise dollars for Neighbors Who Care.
On March 28th, Play It Forward, which began with tennis five years ago, has grown by adding pickleball, golf, and softball, in year’s past, and this year the newest activity to join was water aerobics. Instructor Heather Durrans got behind the event with a commitment to raise $1000. Nearly 80 residents signed up for the class, many choosing to contribute more than the $20 hourly play rate.
Judy Gahide, event chair, recruited a formidable team of committee members in Lois Newman; Mike Amato; Molly Bergensen; Bernie Emery; Joann Zapatka; Mark (GOLF), Heather Durrans; NWC’s Jenny Sanderson, Terri O’Herron, and Sheryl Keeme. BlueStar staff Michele Renahan and Joi Johnson, are among many who helped to promote the event.
Play It Forward is a gift to Neighbors Who Care that reaches beyond the dollars raised. PIF has raised awareness of the mission and the everlasting need for more generous residents to choose volunteering. We also attribute Play It Forward for informing community members of the rich menu of services we offer to sustain homebound seniors safely at home for up to five years longer.
Where does the money go?
- Resources like three full time and four part time staff, NWC technology systems to arrange and monitor more than 15 different offsite services for 600 clients.
- Homebound, vulnerable seniors numbering more than 100 receive delivered meals regardless of their ability to pay for them.
- Transport van costs for running four routes a week.
- Free aging information from vetted providers help neighbors make decisions and access services as they age.
- Support for up to 30 different volunteer services performed in the community.
- Case worker attention to 600+ clients with daily changing needs as they age.
A remarkable $57,500 was raised to sustain Neighbors Who Care moving forward.
➡️ Remember: You likely know someone personally who receives one or more of our services.
Heart of Healing Hospice
Scheels
The Kolb Team
The Redeemed Team
The Young team
NWC’s 300 volunteers drive 100,000+ miles, deliver 9,000+ meals, and perform 100s of services annually. We thank Chairperson Judith Gahide, IronOaks, the committee, and all of the volunteers and participants comprising the very generous community of Sun Lakes and south Chandler!
