Press Release
Masonicare's Quality of Life Walk Exceeds Goals - 6/11/2007
Wallingford, CT, June 8, 2007......Overcast skies and a light but steady rain did little to dampen the spirits of more than 500 enthusiastic walkers and volunteers who came out to support the 2007 Masonicare Quality of Life Walk held Saturday, May 19, at Great River Park in East Hartford, Connecticut. The Masonic Charity Foundation of Connecticut, the philanthropic affiliate of Wallingford-based Masonicare, coordinated the Walk.
A festive atmosphere prevailed as Masonicare employees, residents, members of the Masonic family and other participants gathered for the 3-mile trek along the Connecticut River. The event raised more than $62,000 for the not-for-profit organization's Quality of Life Funds. The money will be used to meet the needs of residents and patients of Masonic Healthcare Center in Wallingford, Ashlar of Newtown, and Connecticut VNA (statewide) when no other funding source is available. Typical Quality of Life Fund purchases have included hearing aids, dentures and newspaper subscriptions. In the past, these funds have also helped underwrite larger projects such as a four-season solarium at Masonic Healthcare Center and a greenhouse at Ashlar of Newtown.
"We had a goal of 500 walkers and $54,600," said Christopher J. Earle, First Vice President of NewAlliance Bank and Chairman of the 2007 Masonicare Quality of Life Walk, during opening ceremonies in the Great River Park Amphitheater. "We are so proud to have surpassed both of those goals today."
Stephen B. McPherson, President and CEO of Masonicare, welcomed the walkers. "The Quality of Life Funds play an important role in enhancing the daily lives of many of the residents and patients served by Masonicare," McPherson said. "Thank you for your generosity and your spirit and for coming out today."
In addition, Morrison Senior Dining Services donated 600 boxed lunches for the event, and remaining food items were donated to McKinney Shelter and The Open Hearth shelter in Hartford.
Eloise Mongillo, Director of Development for The Masonic Charity Foundation of Connecticut, said she is pleased with the outcome of the event, which was 18 months in the making. "A special thanks goes to our Walk Captains and participants for their incredible enthusiasm and support. We are thrilled with the financial outcome of this event and want to thank the many corporate sponsors who gave so generously to support our Quality of Life Walk, particularly CIGNA, Morrison Senior Dining, and WTNH News Channel 8 - our Premier Sponsors," said Mongillo.
Masonicare is Connecticut's leading not-for-profit provider of healthcare and retirement living for seniors.
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Penny O’Neill
P.R. Manager
Masonicare
203-679-5041
poneill@masonicare.org
