As part of a faith-based nonprofit organization, giving back to our community is important to all of us at The Gardens of Springfield. In 2016, we’re proud to have supported three key organizations in particular: CASA of Southwest Missouri, the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s and the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks.
“I am proud to give because these are great organizations to support,” said Denise Eleiott, executive director of The Gardens. “They each do tremendous work for people in our community, and there is no better feeling than to help another person in need, be it physical, emotional or financial. It is ALWAYS about helping others!”
The Gardens’ first community grant was a gift of $5,000 to CASA of Southwest Missouri, a nonprofit whose mission is to advocate for timely placement of abused and neglected children into safe, permanent homes. The organization used the funds to print its Christmas cards—and from the sale of those Christmas cards they netted $13,000, multiplying The Gardens’ donation. To help prepare the cards for sale and distribution, CASA paired its children in need with residents of The Gardens, a win-win for both organizations.
The Gardens’ second community grant was a gift of $5,000 to the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks. One of our team members was having her own battle with breast cancer, so everyone at The Gardens knew it was the chosen time to support this organization. As it turned out, our team member had never heard of the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks, nor about the resources the organization offered those in need who were battling cancer. In addition to supporting a worthy foundation, we were able to connect one of our team members with a wonderful organization.
Finally, in addition to our community grant programs, many of our team members, our families and even some residents participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s to support the Alzheimer’s Association. All total, about 40-45 people from our organization participated. The Gardens maintain a strong relationship with the Alzheimer’s Association, so we were thrilled to participate in this worthy event.
“In any of these situations it is all about making connections because we really don’t fully know where those connections may lead us one day,” said Eleiott. “This is truly a great thing that Bethesda does for the communities that we live in and serve.”
