Ann's Choice Telethon Raises $191,000 for Benevolent Care Fund

On October 3, Ann's Choice, an Erickson Living-managed senior living community in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, hosted its first-ever Telethon to benefit the community's Benevolent Care Fund. The event and fundraising campaign raised more than $191,000, exceeding last year's campaign total by 91%.

For this year's fundraiser, Philanthropy Manager Sharon Silvestri and Philanthropy Coordinator Becki Nixon, working with Ann's Choice's television station, decided to host an entertaining Telethon instead of holding the annual Gala due to the pandemic. "Ann's Choice is your Home for Life" was the theme for the Telethon, which showcased the musical and comedic talents of residents and employees on campus.

Highlights from the 3-hour show included Ann's Choice Family Feud hosted by Executive Director Chris Donati and a virtual wine tasting with Associate Executive Director Chad Couture with wine distributed to residents earlier in the day.

The Telethon's featured act was a captivating live concert by Barbara Harris, formerly of the group The Toys. Barbara performed in front of 38 top donors at the community's Performing Arts Center, with more than 1,000 residents watching virtually from their apartment homes.

Staff and residents worked together to make the event a big success by providing treats and recording entertaining segments. Departments also donated raffle items, including dining vouchers, IPads, Wine Gift baskets, free housekeeping, free carpet cleaning, and more.

Part of the Campaign was the placement of "I support the Benevolent Care Fund! Home for Life" cards on each donor apartment shelf, which provided a visual reminder to the residents to give and to see the campus-wide support of the fund. On the day of the Telethon, thank you gifts were provided to residents, based on their giving level, including popcorn, candy, and wine with cheese boards.

"It was such a pleasure seeing the residents' faces when we delivered their treats! The Home for Life telethon was a great way for us to bring the community together while safely staying apart during these unusual times," said Philanthropy Coordinator Becki Nixon.

"The generosity of the Ann's Choice community, both residents and employees, is remarkable. It is amazing to see their spirit of giving," said Philanthropy Manager Sharon Silvestri.

Ann's Choice Benevolent Care Fund provides support to residents who, despite careful planning, outlive their financial resources. The money donated to the fund allow for residents experiencing financial adversity to continue living at Ann's Choice, in their home, among their friends, receiving the care that they need.

To learn more about Ann's Choice, visit annschoicecommunity.com.

Ann’s Choice, one of 20 continuing care retirement communities developed and managed by Erickson Living®, is situated on a scenic 103-acre campus in Warminster, Pennsylvania. The not-for-profit community of more than 1,900 residents and 1,000 employees is governed by its own board of directors, affiliated with National Senior Campuses, who provide independent financial and operational oversight of the community. Additional information about Ann’s Choice can be found at AnnsChoiceCommunity.com.