"Seattle Seniors Strong" Raises $300,000 for Homeless, Homebound Seniors
Aegis Living, The Clark Family Foundation, Bartell Drugs joined forces to support Sound Generations and the Pike Market Senior Center and Food Bank during COVID-19 crisis
BELLEVUE, Wash., June 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Aegis Living, a national leader in assisted living and memory care, and the Clark Family Foundation, launched the Seattle Seniors Strong charitable campaign in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative aims to provide needed resources and support services for homeless and housing insecure seniors across Seattle and King County who are especially vulnerable during this time. The program raised over $322,000 in just two months, surpassing its initial $200,000 goal.
"I'm delighted that our community stepped up to assist the most vulnerable," said Dwayne J. Clark, founder and CEO of Aegis Living. "These seniors are the bedrock of our community. The virus has caused financial uncertainty, fear and isolation, all things we hope to help them overcome."
Aegis Living and the Clark Family Foundation pledged $100,000 in matching funds to two Seattle-based charities dedicated to providing critical services and support for seniors: Sound Generations and the Pike Market Senior Center and Food Bank (PMSC). In just 60 days, Sound Generations raised over $62,000 and PMSC raised over $53,000. Additionally, Bartell Drugs launched a four-week partnership with Seattle Seniors Strong, collecting over $105,000 in cash donations used to purchase 30 full pallets of essential goods for the charities while also collecting additional donated goods in-store.
"We are blown away by the generosity of our customers," said Ken Mahoney, Senior Vice President of Operations at Bartell Drugs. "As a PNW organization, we aim to help our Northwest neighbors however we can. I want to extend my personal thanks to those who donated."
During the two-month campaign, PMSC served nearly 5,400 meals and provided 6,300 bags of groceries to seniors. With the over $100,000 raised, the organization will be able to provide 35,000 more free meals this year and purchase 143,000 pounds of groceries to donate to those in need.
"In addition to providing meals and other essential items, The Pike Market Senior Center is maintaining a connection to members who are sheltering in place through weekly letters, regular emails, and telephone calls," said Mason Lowe, Deputy Director of PMSC. "Members can also count on us for social services support and the use of a clean restroom which continues to be a top concern for homeless seniors across the city."
PMSC provides a variety of services to area seniors at no cost. The staff features five social workers who have helped more than 300 homeless seniors find safe and secure housing. During normal operations, PMSC also offers on-site activities, including fitness and art classes.
Sound Generations strives to expand food security, transportation, health and wellness, and Assistance services to meet the diverse needs of the growing aging population in King County. The group administers the Meals on Wheels program for King County and the Hyde Shuttle, a fleet of 38 vans providing door-to-door service for hot meal programs, medical appointments, senior centers, grocery stores and other local destinations.
The organization will used funds raised to support all of these critical community resources. Sound Generations has served more than 75,000 meals since the COVID-19 crisis began and is on track to serve 600,000 meals this year.
More information on Seattle Seniors Strong can be found at www.seattleseniorsstrong.com.
About Aegis Living
Aegis Living is a national leader in senior assisted living and memory care with a simple philosophy: make every day count. With more than 22 years of experience, it is known for its approach for supporting residents along the continuum of care, from light assistance to advanced dementia; an eye for innovation and staying on the frontlines of design; and an employee-centric company culture. With every community, Aegis Living creates a living environment where residents can feel at home and inspired to live life to the fullest. The privately held company is headquartered in Bellevue, Washington and operates 32 communities in Washington, California and Nevada, with 7 additional communities in development.
For more information, visit www.aegisliving.com. Follow the company on Twitter @Aegisliving and Facebook at www.facebook.com/AegisLiving.
About The Clark Family Foundation
The Clark Family Foundation was established in 2017 by Dwayne Clark and his family to care for some the most vulnerable people in society, elderly and our children. The Foundation is now run by three generations of Clark decedents and supports a variety of philanthropic causes: the 30/30 Project, Russell Wilson Why Not You Foundation, the Macklemore Residency Project, Seattle Children's Hospital, Lifespring, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Seattle Film Festival, among others.
SOURCE Aegis Living
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