Leisure World of Maryland Stocks 50 - oops - 500 Kitchens to Mark Communities 50th Anniversary

Silver Spring, MD – To mark Leisure World of Maryland’s 50th anniversary, residents set out to gather enough items to stock 50 kitchens in the wider community, and then present them to nonprofit A Wider Circle for its “Neighbor to Neighbor” program during the anniversary week. However, the generosity of Leisure World residents quickly filled the space meant to hold the donations, a feat they accomplished several times throughout the summer. Five truckloads of items have already been delivered to A Wider Circle, and the 50 Kitchens project became the 500 Kitchens project.

On Tuesday, September 13, the Forward@50! Committee will present the final 50 boxes to Mark Bergel, founder and president of A Wider Circle during a ceremony planned for 1 pm outside Leisure World’s Clubhouse II.

“We’re so thrilled that we’ve exceeded our goal, and it’s so gratifying to see our community and neighbors rise to the occasion and make such an impact,” said Ruth Friedman, who spearheaded the effort with her neighbor Marti Jacobs. Residents have donated dishes, glasses, flatware, pots and pans, small appliances, dishcloths and cleaning supplies. One resident made 50 sets of potholders.

Leisure World of Maryland is a private, 610-acre community for adults age 55 and over that is known for its expansive recreational facilities and educational opportunities. Leisure World is home to more than 8,500 residents, as well as to an 18-hole golf course, medical facilities, and multiple clubhouses with restaurants, ballrooms, and other amenities. Residents own their homes, paying a monthly fee that includes the entire Leisure World amenity program. The array of housing includes luxury condominiums, townhomes and single-family homes.