Giving Back: Edgehill Resident Receives Inaugural Philanthropy Award

STAMFORD, CT — It's never too late in life to lend a helping hand and give back to the community.

Joan Weisman, 87, a resident at Edgehill, a senior living community in Stamford, exemplifies that mantra. For years, Weisman has led the way on a variety of causes to give back to the greater Stamford area.

Last week, because of her ongoing efforts, Weisman was awarded with the first-ever Benchmark Distinguished Philanthropy Award. Benchmark is the overarching company for Edgehill — there are currently 60 Benchmark facilities in the country.

"We are honored an Edgehill resident was not only chosen for this award, but also inspired its creation," said Edgehill Executive Director Chris Cilano in a statement to Patch. "Joan believes you are never too old to make a difference, and she embodies that mindset with her contributions to both Edgehill and the local community. Mrs. Weisman’s selfless acts of service throughout her life, and especially during her time at Edgehill, are an inspiration."

The award will now be given annually to a Benchmark resident who reflects the organization's core values: Called to Care, Better Together, and Be the Benchmark.

"I was really very thrilled and very happy to receive the award," Weisman told Patch. "I hope I can live up to it. I'm just getting started."

Before coming to Edgehill almost 10 years ago, Weisman lived in Stamford for a number of years with her husband Fred, and the two were heavily involved in community service ever since they were married. Weisman was particularly passionate about community service related to education, since she had a background as an elementary school teacher.

"My husband and I used to say that the purpose of life is to live a life with purpose. It sounds corny, but if I don't have something to do each day that's fulfilling, it's not a day I don't feel fulfilled. It becomes a habit, it feels good and it's gratifying," Weisman said.

When Weisman moved to Edgehill, Fred was battling cancer so she needed to be near him. There was no outlet for community service then, and Weisman felt like she needed to do something with her time.

She took matters into her own hands and established Edgehill's Social Action Committee.

"We established a mission to help others in our Edgehill community as well as in the greater community," Weisman said. "We started a new philosophy of the fact that we're not too old to be part of a community. Just because we're living in a senior residence doesn't mean we're not part of the world and we can still do some good."

Last year, Team Edgehill was the top fundraiser, raising $51,000 for Stamford Health's Hope In Motion event that benefits the Bennett Cancer Center. Edgehill is also involved with fundraising for the local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association every year.

All of the fundraising events have a "fun" component to them, Weisman said.

At times throughout the year, the Social Action Committee reads to children at the Children's Learning Center, and they knit hats for the children and for residents at Pacific House, the homeless shelter in Stamford. Weisman has also coordinated clothing donations to Person-to-Person, a local nonprofit.

Every year on her birthday and Fred's birthday, Weisman spends a day volunteering at Pacific House. Fred, who died almost eight years ago, was chairman of the board at the shelter.

Weisman credited Edgehill for fostering an environment of volunteerism.

"I'm living in an atmosphere that encourages this and enables me to do what I'm doing," she said, noting that getting rewarded for her efforts is the least important thing to her. "One of the things really important to me is being with people who care about other people. In this world we need more people like that."

Weisman said she tries to live life to the fullest and make everyday purposeful.

"I have the same number of hours as everybody has in a day," she said, "but I try to use them well."

She believes that staying active is key to a long and healthy life.

"I was so touched by Benchmark and their recognition. I told them it was an inspiration to keep going as long as I can," she said. "Maybe this is what keeps me going."