Silvergate Retirement Residence donated $32,225.91 to Alzheimer’s San Diego on Oct. 21, an amount representing the combined effort of residents, employees and company.
Leading up to Team Silvergate’s participation in the Walk4ALZ on Oct. 17 in Balboa Park, several fundraisers and other activities were held at Silvergate’s three residential facilities, including in Rancho Bernardo. The “Make Every Step Matter” campaign in August and September included bake and art sales, bingo games, ice cream socials and other fundraisers.
“It was great to see everyone choose their own way to support the fundraising, whether they baked something, joined a game, bought a piece of resident art or simply encouraged a friend to participate,” said Mary Kay Vesey, a Silvergate Rancho Bernardo resident who helped organize its fundraising efforts. “Every little effort added up, and it felt good to know we were doing something meaningful together.”
In addition to what Silvergate’s residents and employees raised, AmeriCare Health & Retirement, Inc. — the parent company of Silvergate — added $10,000 in support of Alzheimer’s San Diego.
“Our mission at Silvergate is to ‘Make Every Day Matter,’ and throughout this campaign we’ve extended that idea to ‘Make Every Step Matter,’” said Greg Petree, president of AmeriCare Health & Retirement, Inc. “Our team members hosted all kinds of creative fundraising events, and our residents, their families and the local community really showed up to participate. Seeing our three communities come together around such an important cause is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we share a common purpose.”
Eugenia Welch, president and CEO of Alzheimer’s San Diego, expressed her gratitude for the collective effort.
“I am genuinely moved by what the Silvergate communities have accomplished, but what strikes me even more is the spirit behind it,” Welch said. “The enthusiasm and heart that each community of residents, families, and team members has poured into this effort is exactly what Walk4ALZ is all about.
“We are so grateful to have Silvergate walking alongside us. … I hope everyone knows how much every step — and every dollar — truly does matter to the individuals and families we serve every day,” Welch said.
“Being at Balboa Park with the entire Silvergate team and seeing so many people come together for the same cause was really moving,” said Jessica Swaaley, Silvergate Rancho Bernardo’s executive director. “This event reminds us that families dealing with Alzheimer’s aren’t alone, and that the money we raised can make a real difference right here in San Diego.”