“As an organization, we were looking to give back to our community in a way that would build off of the work we do in our centers each day. We knew if we could leverage our organization as a whole toward something our team members were already interested in, the impact would be widespread.”
SKOKIE, Ill. (PRWEB) October 25, 2019
Villa Healthcare is honored to be a National Team with the Alzheimer’s Association for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. With almost 4,000 patients and residents treated at the 34 skilled nursing facilities it supports in five Midwest regions, Villa has an organizational connection to Alzheimer’s as it impacts not only our guests, but also our team members and families.
“As an organization, we were looking to give back to our community in a way that would build off of the work we do in our centers each day. When looking to pair community efforts with a relevant cause, we noticed many of our team members were already participating in various Alzheimer’s awareness efforts. We knew if we could leverage our organization as a whole toward something our team members were already interested in, the impact would be widespread” said Toni Fimowicz, Alzheimer’s National Team Leader and National Director of Organizational Development at Villa.
As an organization with 4,500 employees, Alzheimer’s also impacts Villa’s team members through their families and friends. “When we shared our plans to participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, it was incredible to see the connections we were able to form with each other through learning why they walked and how Alzheimer’s Disease had touched their lives, both professionally and personally. This is one of the most rewarding (and unexpected) aspects of our participation, being able to build relationships and to support our team members, throughout our organization” said Marissa Kalama, Alzheimer’s National Team Leader and Director of Villa Referral Management.
The work Villa has been doing to be a National Team with the Alzheimer’s Association has brought together not only the organizational development goals and the employees, but also the five regions. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, October 26 at Soldier Field in Chicago is the culmination of eleven walks from August to October, in all five regions that Villa supports skilled nursing facilities. Additionally, each of the regions highlighted creativity in their fundraising. In Michigan North, the Villa team partnered with an animal shelter to raise funds for both causes through an event hosted in the region and in Michigan South, the Villa team collected bottles and cans at each facility to raise money through collecting the deposits. Wisconsin’s team hosted a backpack raffle with donated backpacks and back to school supplies. In Illinois there was a bingo night hosted at the central support office. Minnesota focused on increasing the number of walk participants through registration rallies. And, always a popular fundraiser, all regions hosted bake sales. To date, almost $27,000 has been raised, and the team is hopeful to far exceed 2018’s donation of $26,000. Villa will match 50% of the funds raised by the team.
For more information on the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit alz.org/walk.
Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer's Association®
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s®. Visit http://www.alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
We’re Villa, and we make people better. Of course, we’re focused on quality care and good outcomes. But we’re here to do so much more. Villa’s leadership has a vision of rising above the status quo—of never settling, and of shattering the old image of this industry. We’ve always wanted to be a part of something greater, and we’re making that a reality. Our commitment to our people, our environment and clinical programs will allow us to fulfill our mission of making people better. For more information, please visit http://www.VillaHC.com.
