Resident Philanthropists Share Their Gifts, Strengthen Their Communities Through Scholarship Program
Scottsdale, AZ (PRWEB) September 30, 2013 -- Residents at Vi at Grayhawk, a Vi and Plaza Companies Community, have created a foundation that has awarded $100,000 in scholarships to 20 employees and/or their dependents for the 2013/2014 academic year.
Employees must meet pre-determined criteria may annually apply for the scholarships for themselves or their children who are dependents. The scholarship application process involves completing and providing a personal essay, letter of reference(s) and school transcripts. Applicants are then interviewed by the foundation's scholarship committee before final recipients are determined. The scholarships cover tuition and academic fees.
But the program does more than just help employees obtain a degree. According to Grayhawk Sales Director Jan Wiggins, the program also helps to create a sense of community.
"The success of the program can really be attributed both to the loyalty of our employees and the generosity of our residents," said Wiggins. "Programs like the scholarship fund help to facilitate a sense of community from our staff that can be seen in the compassion they have for our residents."
The foundation, which was started by residents in 2002 and continues to be managed solely by them, began the scholarship program a year later in 2003 and awarded six scholarships in its first year. A decade later, the foundation remains dedicated to improving the quality of life in the community by promoting the cultural and intellectual welfare of its residents and employees.
In 2003, a group of Vi residents began researching ways to develop a local scholarship program. Through that research, resident Joe Larson, a Vi resident and active philanthropist in the Phoenix and Scottsdale area, founded the Grayhawk Classic Residents' Foundation.
According to current foundation president Bob Lavidge, Larson sought to create a nonprofit organization that benefited both residents and employees. He and a group of founding board members visited other senior living communities in the area to learn how their residents created and managed philanthropic efforts. The group was inspired by the efforts of these local groups, and moved toward the creation of what is now the 11 year old Foundation.
While the original Foundation members liked the idea of local philanthropy, they ended up focusing on scholarships for hourly employees at Vi at Grayhawk as a way to directly benefit their environment.
"It offers a lot of benefits for the community," says Lavidge. "It helps us attract and retain an excellent staff. And it impacts the level of service. It also helps attract new residents. There are many reasons to move to Grayhawk; our care center was named one of the best in the country by U.S. News & World Report, and that's important, but the people who live here and the attitude of the community is a big thing, too.
"We are a large group," he adds, "and we are doing this together. We are all proud of what we've accomplished. I've been involved with quite a few foundations, and what most organizations ask is 'How do we get money?' Here, we are asking 'How do we use the money?"
The Grayhawk Classic Residents' Foundation has answered that question, in part, by awarding 175 scholarships totaling more than $600,000 to Vi employees and their dependents. Phoenix NBC affiliate KPNX featured the residents and scholars in a recent newscast. In the segment, former foundation president and current board member Jane McGrath shares how residents are more than donors; they are mentors who are invested in the academic success of the employees. She says, "Isn't that what education is all about? Helping people fulfill their dreams and maximize their potential."
Vi (pronounced vee), formerly Classic Residence by Hyatt, is celebrating its 25th anniversary as a developer, owner and operator of older adult living communities. The company was founded in August 1987. The company is dedicated to enriching the lives of older adults by providing quality environments, services and care. Vi currently operates ten continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) nationwide. For more information about Vi communities, visit http://www.ViLiving.com.
Vi Public Relations, Vi, http://viliving.com, +1 (312) 803-8618, [email protected]
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